Besetment

Besetment is a 2017 suspense-thriller directed by Brad Douglas and starring John T. Woods, Abby Wathen, and Lindsae Klein. This movie showcases how desperate times can lead innocent people into unnerving situations. This movie keeps the audience on edge with its ever-spiralling sequence of events, intriguing plot, and talented performances.

The film encapsulates the story of a young, ambitious woman, Amanda Millard, portrayed by Abby Wathen, who is desperate to escape from her dysfunctional and claustrophobic life in a small town in Oregon. With no real job prospects and grappling with a difficult life, Amanda stumbles on a job opportunity as a hotel clerk way out in the rearward nowhere. The quaint, almost anachronistic establishment is owned by the peculiar Mildred Colvin, performed by marrow-chillingly by Marlyn Mason, who runs the hotel with her son Billy, portrayed by Michael Meyer.

The casting is perfect for the plot. Abby Wathen effectively brings out the wide-eyed innocence and desperation of her character Amanda. Marlyn Mason's portrayal of Mildred is bone-chilling and eerily realistic whereas Michael Meyer stands out with his unsettlingly strange acting affability which builds an ominous atmosphere around his character. John T. Woods also gives a notable performance in his small but substantial supporting role.

Characteristic of its genre, Besetment doesn’t take long to reveal the unsettling fact that all is not as it seems in the seemingly idyllic hotel environment. The quirkiness of the mother-son duo rapidly gives away to something sinister, setting into motion a terrifying series of events that Amanda couldn't have possibly anticipated.

This film is designed to ensnare viewers within its claustrophobic and dreadful world. It showcases the extremes one can be pushed to when desperate settings meet sinister motivations. The naturalistic, rustic setting of the movie amplifies the sense of uncanniness, adding a layer of discomfort to the narrative. Director Brad Douglas's command over the suspense-thriller genre is evident as he expertly navigates between suspenseful periods of anticipation and shocking horror sequences.

Abby Wathen’s portrayal of Amanda forms the anchor of the film’s narrative, revealing a character trajectory that is equal parts vulnerability and courage. The dynamics between Amanda and Mildred create a riveting character contrast, with each woman representing a different response to extreme circumstances.

The movie delivers a nerve-racking exploration of the human survival instinct when faced with grim and dire circumstances, the fear could be felt from the screen to the chair where viewers are sitting. Besetment utilizes the titanic classic theme of human isolation & desperation in an unfamiliar environment to create a chilling and suspenseful drama.

Packed with twists and turns which are anything but predictable, Besetment makes for a hair-raising exploration into the darkest corners of human behavior.

The cinematography and sound design are equally noteworthy, effectively accentuating the atmosphere of dread and adding a layer of suspense in every scene. The camera work contributes to the chilling tone of the story, capturing the allure and menace of its isolated locale with equal proficiency.

Besetment is a movie that doesn’t shy away from its suspense-thriller DNA. It ventures into areas that are both grim and fascinating, delving deep into psychology, horror, survival, and desperation. The power-packed performances combined with a gripping storyline ensure that you peer at the screen waiting for what might happen next with bated breath.

In conclusion, Besetment is a well-crafted thriller that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats from the first frame to the last. Its strength lies in its empathy for its lead character, with a strong performance by Abby Wathen, combined with an uncomfortable and suspenseful storyline, creating a viewing experience that is both tense and throughly engaging. The movie is more than a mere thriller; it is a study in human desperation and the lengths to which an individual can go when necessity and survival is at stake. For those seeking a chilly suspense with compelling performances, Besetment could be just the movie to send shivers down your spine.