Angelica

Angelica is a compelling and elegantly crafted psychological thriller directed by Mitchell Lichtenstein released in 2015. The narrative form is an engaging blend of drama, horror, and suspense, intelligently interwoven with a touch of mysticism and supernatural suspense. The story is set in the late Victorian era, specifically 1880s London, and this film beautifully encapsulates the mood, style, and aesthetics of the time, providing a visually engaging experience for viewers.

The ensemble cast is stellar, led by Jena Malone as Constance, Janet McTeer as Dr. Messinger, and Ed Stoppard as Dr. Joseph Barton. Each actor brings immense depth to their roles, delivering impactful performances that leave a lingering impression.

The story opens with Constance, a young shop girl, marrying the aristocratic, highly educated Dr. Joseph Barton and settling into the medieval comforts of London's bourgeois society. Constance's days are filled with delicate domestic responsibilities and seemingly endless leisure time. Her life quickly takes a complicated turn with the birth of her daughter, Angelica.

A complicated birth sequence leaves Constance unable to have more children, and consequently, she and her husband decide to live a celibate life in order to protect her health. This imposed celibacy casts a shadow over their relationship, giving rise to emotional turmoil and sexual frustration that seep into their daily lives.

However, the story takes an eerily sinister turn when their daughter, Angelica (played by Eliza Holland Madore), becomes chronically tormented by a frightening nocturnal visitor. A mysterious and spectral entity seems to linger around the child, inciting fear and panic within the household. With the constant fear of the unknown, the family's existence turns into a waking nightmare, and the boundaries between reality and delusion, natural and supernatural, begin to dissolve.

Constance becomes increasingly anxious and desperate to protect her daughter. She turns to spiritualist and psychiatrist Dr. Anne Montague, brilliantly portrayed by Janet McTeer, to understand and combat these strange phenomena. Dr. Montague offers some considerable insights into Constance's fears and the possible origins of the menacing presence.

Laden with sexual repression, parental paranoia, and conflicting theories about the unknown, Angelica is a meticulously layered narrative. The screenplay, adapted from Arthur Phillips' novel, explores the themes of Victorian sexual politics, societal expectations, and the prevalent superstitions of the time. The director, Mitchell Lichtenstein's careful handling of the many plot threads, expertly keeps the viewer engrossed and guessing as the narrative's many layers unfold.

Assisting in pulling the audience in is a very palpable and haunting atmosphere, which is achieved through the outstanding cinematography. The dramatic lighting and the rich, dark palette contributes to the visual richness of the film. Coupled with a score that is hauntingly beautiful and equally unnerving, Angelica maintains a consistently suspenseful tone throughout.

The movie is replete with complex characters and equally complex relationships. The trio's performances are remarkably nuanced and evolve dramatically over the course of the narrative. Jena Malone beautifully portrays the tumultuous journey of a woman grappling with fear, desire, and maternal instincts, while Ed Stoppard offers a convincing portrayal of a Victorian gentleman burdened by his societal and familial duties. Janet McTeer excels in her role as a progressive pioneering woman of science, bringing gravitas and pathos to her character.

The film dives deep into psychological aspects, exploring Constance's inner world and maternal anxieties extensively. The film offers an exploration of motherhood that is unique and thought-provoking. It questions the extent of a mother's role and the lengths she will go to ensure her child's safety. The movie is not just a ghost story or psychological thriller, but a complex exploration of relationships, societal norms, identity, and the murky depths of the human psyche.

In conclusion, Angelica stands as an engrossing psychological thriller. It is not only a film about the supernatural but a dive into the complexities of human emotions and the subjective reality of our minds. Drenched in a mesmerizingly dark Victorian setting aided by strong performances and a haunting score, Angelica is a richly compelling film experience that is likely to leave viewers introspective and intrigued long after the credits roll.