Antihuman

Antihuman is a spine-chilling 2017 film that combines the unsettling elements of psychological thrillers with the immersive aesthetics of the science fiction genre. Directed by Luke Gietzen and Mark Robins, the film stars Anya Korzun, Danielle Arden, and Andrew Jardine and offers audiences a heart-racing and thought-provoking journey that explores the boundaries of the human mind and the anomalies of reality.

Centered around Maggie (Anya Korzun), an eerily disturbed woman who experiences haunting afflictions of an unknown disease, the film gradually unfolds into a dark and disturbing labyrinth of sinister occurrences. After surviving her exhaustive struggles with a malicious disease, and subsequently learning about the death of her estranged mother, Maggie along with her three old friends decides to return to her deserted family home to confront her past demons. Unbeknownst to them, this expedition will take them not only through physical territories but also through psychological realms that challenge their understanding of reality.

Maggie's mother, a devoted researcher in a rather ambiguous scientific field, had always been perceived as an eccentric individual by those around her. As Maggie and her friends further unearth her mother's enigmatic research, they unwittingly uncover horrifying secrets that challenge their perception of what it truly means to be human and subsequently push them into the crosshairs of an otherworldly entity.

Anya Korzun delivers a compelling performance as Maggie, a tormented and sickly woman who grapples with both physical deterioration and numerous haunting visions. The character’s deep-set fear and confusion permeate through the screen and are neatly amplified by Korzun's remarkable acting prowess. Danielle Arden, who plays one of Maggie's childhood friends, offers up a tender dose of empathy and panic-stricken realizations that certainly add a profound layer of relatability to the otherwise nightmarish narrative.

Andrew Jardine’s character completes the trio and his performance draws the audience in, effectively amplifying the tension, and introducing another layer of mystery into the complicated plot set against the backdrop of a haunted home with a dark history and scientific wonder.

Directors Gietzen and Robins craft a haunting ambience with clever cinematography and a nerve-wrenching score that together encapsulate the ominous supernatural undertones, making "Antihuman" a deeply unsettling ride. Underneath the supernatural elements, the movie broaches the complexities of human bonds, loss, and tragic pasts. Each character is delineated with emotional depth, unraveling their own personal demons as they face the horrors that await them, adding to the chilling narrative of the film.

The film is a suspenseful blend of science fiction and horror, which explores the unchartered territories of quantum mechanics and parallel universes. The directors do an excellent job of mixing hard science with a genuinely frightening narrative that is both mysterious and engaging. The explorations feel fresh, innovative, and plunge viewers into an enthralling mystery.

Overall, "Antihuman" is strong with its sharp and atmospheric narrative. The film expertly manages to build layer upon layer of suspense that will keep audiences on edge until the very end. It is a masterclass in using the best aspects of the horror and science fiction genres to create a chilling, atmospheric, and genuinely intriguing story.

While it may appear to be a typical supernatural scare-fest on the surface, it offers viewers much more and delves into the science fiction and horror genres to deliver a tense and thought-provoking exploration of the mortal fear of the unknown. The film commands viewers to question what they believe about their existence and challenges how far the boundaries of the human mind can be stretched.

In conclusion, "Antihuman", while telling a story that sends shivers down one's spine, also reflects on, as the title suggests, the fear of losing one's humanity, and how terrifying it can be to lose oneself in the many layers of reality and unreality. It reminds viewers that sometimes the horror within oneself can be as nerve-wracking as the horror within the world. Every once in a while, a film like "Antihuman" comes around that pushes the boundaries of horror and science fiction, leaving viewers in a state of profound unease and awe. It is undoubtedly a good pick for those who want to experience a heightened level of suspense.