Art of Obsession

Art of Obsession is a remarkable Canadian psychological horror film directed by Ryan M. Andrews and released in 2017. The movie stars Ry Barrett, who gives an unforgettable performance as Kennedy Sait, a troubled novelist whose life spirals out of control. Winny Clarke co-stars as Safer, a young woman in a precarious life situation that intertwines with Kennedy's. In addition, Raven Cousens delivers a notable performance as Sammie, an important character that adds more depth to the plot.

This suspense-filled film takes us into the abyss of Kennedy's mind, a tormented writer who suffers a major downfall following the death of his beloved daughter and his separation from his wife. Fallen into disgrace and addicted to different substances, Kennedy finds himself in a soul-sucking spiral. He's lost, unable to escape from his own mind, engulfed with guilt and mourning, and his writing - once his strength and passion - now becomes his prison. But a sudden twist of fate offers an escape for him.

Kennedy Sait's days are spent in misery until he encounters a young woman named Safer, who's battling her demons. She arrives in Kennedy's life unexpectedly, and her presence breathes new life into Kennedy's despondent world. At the same time, her appearance opens up a gateway for Kennedy's deteriorating mental state leading him towards a dangerous obsession.

Ry Barrett’s portrayal of the struggling and obsessed Kennedy is truly arresting. His ability to shed authenticity in his struggles convincingly portrays a man on the edge. Barrett's performance alone is a compelling reason to watch the film. On the opposite side, Winny Clarke builds her character Safer with enigma and placidity, creating an interesting dynamic with Kennedy.

Charming and full of mystery, Raven Cousens' character, Sammie, plays an essential role in moving the story forward. Her intertwining fate with Kennedy adds layers to their intricate relationship and Cousens expertly delivers in her performance. All three characters are fueled by a complex set of emotions, extremely human and relatable making you empathize with their struggles while questioning their choices and actions.

Art of Obsession isn't just a horror film about a man plagued by his darkness; it's also a film about loss, guilt, obsession, and the lengths a man would go to escape his anguish. It showcases the struggle an artist goes through, the emotional turbulence, and the devastating effects it can have on their mental health if left unchecked. Andrews succeeds in knitting together themes of addiction, tragedy, mental health, and art in a thrillingly terrifying way.

In addition, the sets, cinematography, and special effects in Art of Obsession are used effectively to further deepen the sense of despair and tension. From the use of dark, wintry backgrounds to artful close-ups that capture the crucial plot details à la Alfred Hitchcock, the production value adds impact to every scene. This visual approach, coupled with a haunting score, works to accentuate the overall sense of unease and slowly mounting dread that gives the plot its chilling backbone.

Despite being a horror film, Art of Obsession leans more towards psychological horror, the terror coming from within the characters' minds rather than external specters. It carefully straddles the line between reality and hallucination, leaving you, as the viewer, to question the events unfolding on-screen and their meanings.

Overall, Art of Obsession is a complex, dark, and thought-provoking movie that commendably explores the theme of obsession through its compelling characters. Fans of psychological horror will appreciate the building sense of doom, the eerie atmosphere, and the fine character development. With its compelling plot, well-knit screenplay, and impressive performances, the film leaves a lasting impression. As you unravel the intriguing plot, the journey of Kennedy paints a chilling yet profound picture of a man in the throes of his obsessions, making it a film well worth watching.