Alienated

Alienated is a compelling psychological thriller from 2015, blending aspects of sci-fi and drama into a captivating cinematic experience. Directed by Brian Ackley, the film explores themes of existentialism, alienation, paranoia, and the human condition. With standout performances by George Katt, Jen L. Burry, and the late Taylor Negron in one of his final roles, Alienated pulls viewers into an intricate world of grayscale where interpersonal relationships and individual truths hang in the balance.

The film revolves around the central character, Nate (George Katt), a highly introspective and disillusioned man grappling with his troubled marriage and the mundaneness of his everyday life. Katt's performance is nuanced and striking, presenting a complex portrait of a man wrestling with his internal demons while yearning for a connection with the universe. As Nate, Katt explores themes of estrangement and solitude, delving into the complexities of a man on the cusp of an existential crisis.

Jen L. Burry delivers a powerful performance as Paige, Nate's wife. She brilliantly portrays a woman caught in the crossfire of Nate's paranoia and disaffection. With the narrative mostly confined to their home, an undercurrent of tension between Nate and Paige creates a claustrophobic atmosphere that mirrors the alienation felt between the couple, intensifying as the plot unfolds over the suspenseful 79-minute runtime.

Completing this portrayal of their fractured marriage is Taylor Negron as their friend Griff. Negron's subtle and thought-provoking performance adds another layer to the story. His character plays a crucial role throughout the narrative, providing some balance to the relationship dynamic but also contributing to tension and paranoia with his thought-provoking perspectives.

The narrative of Alienated centers around Nate's belief that he's experienced a close encounter of the third kind. This drastic and impactful event further fuels the wedge driven between him and those around him. The pace of the film is deliberately slow and tense, reflecting the growing uneasiness and escalating worry of its protagonist. The audience is taken on a gripping journey into Nate's mind, sharing in his anxieties and paranoia as he attempts to make sense of what may, or may not, be an extra-terrestrial encounter.

The film's unique cinematography deserves a special mention. The tight shots and enclosed angles succeed in raising the emotional stakes, seamlessly capturing the feelings of alienation and paranoia that the characters are going through. Added to this is the atmospheric score that enhances the film's overall muted tone, rounding out a strong performance by all the technical departments, translating the director's vision into an immersive viewing experience.

Alienated scores highly on the originality front, offering a fresh take on the effects of everyday alienation on human life. The film subtly uses the science fiction element as a metaphor to explore feelings of estrangement and interpersonal tensions. The layered narrative forces viewers to question their own realities and challenges them to face their anxieties and fears in a manner rarely seen in modern cinema.

Even though Alienated is an exploration of complex themes, it doesn't forget its roots in suspense and thriller genres, ensuring that tension remains prevalent throughout the film. The pacing is such that the audience is constantly questioning the reality of Nate's experiences, which helps to maintain the suspense until the very end.

In conclusion, Alienated is a thought-provoking psychological thriller that delves into the depths of human psychology, particularly exploring themes like alienation, estrangement, and paranoia. It's a film that intellectually stimulates its audience and challenges their perspectives on existence and reality. With excellent performances by George Katt, Jen L. Burry, and Taylor Negron, Alienated is a must-watch for those seeking a meaningful and captivating cinematic experience.