Anguish

Anguish is a fascinating exploration of emotional disturbance, identity crisis, and the human psyche set against a horror-thriller backdrop. This riveting supernatural film, directed and written by Sonny Mallhi, debuted in 2015. Anchored by compelling performances from Ryan Simpkins, Annika Marks, and Karina Logue, this movie seamlessly integrates psychological complexity and supernatural elements to craft an engaging narrative.

The film centers on Tess (Ryan Simpkins), a teenage girl, who has just moved to a new town with her mother, Jessica (Annika Marks). Tess is just another ordinary teenager dealing with angst and trying to find her way around high school life. However, her life becomes far from typical when she starts displaying peculiar behavior that surpasses the usual teenage melodrama. Her mental health is in question as she is seen having fits, hearing voices, and having an uncontrollable bout of frenzied behavior.

Frustrated and alarmed by her daughter's uncontrollable and inexplicable behavior, Jessica seeks assistance. She consults with various therapists and psychiatrists with the eclectic array of symptoms Tess is showing. They initially diagnose Tess with a series of disorders: anxiety, bipolar disorder, split personality disorder, among others. These diagnoses, while providing some measure of answer, fail to explain the full depth and intensity of her experiences.

Unconvinced, Jessica allies herself with a spiritualist Sarah (Karina Logue), who sheds new light on Tess's condition, suggesting a phenomenon beyond the understanding of contemporary medicine or psychology: the intersection of their human life with that of the supernatural. They then delve into an unseen world where the living coexist with the departed, and Tess's situation is seen from an entirely new perspective.

The driving force of Anguish is the exploration of identity and the unsettling notion of feeling "not oneself." Tess grapples with her mental and emotional health, which plays out in a way very different from the conventional narrative of teenage angst. This ultimately pulls the viewer into a whirlwind of curiosity, empathy and suspense as they root for Tess’s deliverance.

Within this psychological horror film, themes of possession and the supernatural play an integral part in setting the tone. The film's darkness isn't just metaphorical; it visually exemplifies the intrusive thoughts and external disturbances Tess experiences. While the film includes standard horror elements – chilling sound effects, eerie soundtrack, uncanny camera angles, it refrains from using traditional jump-scare tactics. Instead, it builds a pervasive sense of dread that effectively amplifies the horror throughout.

The performances of the cast are instrumental in carrying the film's narrative and building an atmosphere of unease and horror. Ryan Simpkins, portraying Tess, showcases her struggles seamlessly, making the audience's engagement with her organic and heartfelt. Annika Marks plays a caring yet baffled mother appropriately troubled and desperate to get her child help. Karina Logue gives a decent performance as the spiritual advisor, adding another layer of intrigue to the narrative.

The film's title, "Anguish," speaks directly to the profound struggles and torment faced by the central character, Tess, and metaphorically refers to the universal human experience of suffering. Sonny Mallhi, the director, does a commendable job in tackling mental health issues and supernatural phenomena in the same breath, making for a compelling and thought-provoking week.

The movie's strength lies in its ability to blend reality with elements of the supernatural, making it terrifyingly authentic. It subtly criticizes the inadequate mental health structure, advocating for a more comprehensive understanding and approach towards mental health. Moreover, it pushes the boundaries of conventional horror cinema by adding depth and real emotions to its characters, making itnot only a horror film but also a profound commentary on identity, human psyche, and mental health.

In conclusion, Anguish is no regular horror movie; it is more of an intimate and psychological exploration with supernatural elements that further accentuate the storyline. This contagiously disturbing film raises more than just your hair, overflows with authentic performances, and tells a story that is as heart-wrenching as it is unsettling. It poses a question to the viewers - is this just a flick about a haunted teenager or is it a metaphor for the youth today, or perhaps, a comment on society’s handling of mental health? This psychological horror film leaves you pondering, long after the end credits roll.