Black Wake

Black Wake is a 2018 horror sci-fi thriller directed by Jeremiah Kipp. This intense, apocalyptic film features a gifted, multi-lingual cast, including Brazilian actress Nana Gouvea in the lead role, alongside Hollywood legends Tom Sizemore and Eric Roberts. Propelled by an original screenplay by Jerry Janda, the film encompasses the genres of psychological thriller, science fiction, and horror.

The film revolves around the character of Dr. Luiza Moreira, brilliantly portrayed by Gouvea. Dr. Moreira is a specialist in neurology and psychiatry employed by the Department of Defense. A significant part of her work involves analyzing video footage recorded by Special Agent Griffi, assuming the role of a detached, analytical observer, parsing out connections and solving puzzles within an abyss of classified material.

The footage she examines – shot at different times and locations but sharing a sinister undercurrent – raise questions that lead her to suspect a disturbing plan in the making. Initially, what she's investigating are cases of inexplicable mass suicides along the Northeast Coast of the U.S. and consequently, the causes behind this bizarre phenomenon.

Tom Sizemore depicts a somewhat mysterious figure - a detective with the local police force. His character, Detective Michaels, while initially skeptical, eventually partners with Dr. Moreira, working to unravel the mystery.

Eric Roberts is equally compelling in his portrayal of the General, a high-ranking military official who hints at secret governmental experiments that may be linked to the tragic incidents currently under investigation.

As the story progresses, Dr. Moreira finds herself in a twisted maze of government conspiracy, mysterious deaths, and unimaginable horror. The more she delves into her research, the deeper and more thrilling the plot becomes, rocking her to her core as she's granted a glimpse into a dystopian future that descends into the abyss of darkness. She recognizes a pattern where none was initially perceptible and stumbles upon an ominous prediction that may change the fate of the world.

The paranoia in the film is heightened by an acoustic score that underscores the dark, creepy atmosphere and mounting tension. In this context, the viewer is drawn into the premise of the evolutionary apocalypse, walking the line between science and horror, reality and nightmare, belief and denial.

Visually impactful, the movie combines real-life settings with agreeably gloomy facets of cinematography. Adding to the mystery and suspense of Black Wake is the use of found footage style storytelling, with most scenes presented as being extracted from various security cameras, personal video diaries, or handheld devices used in field investigations.

Director Jeremiah Kipp masterfully creates an ambiance that successfully plays on the viewer's psyche, presenting a terrifying spectacle through a blend of science fiction and horror. The dreadful possibility of an end times event, amplified by the film's awe-inspiring visual effects, and fueled by an air of government conspiracy, manages to keep viewers on their toes.

The supporting cast includes Jonny Beauchamp, Vincent Pastore, and Chuck Zito. Each contributes to the narrative, bringing individual dynamics and energy, and helps to bring layers of depth to this thrilling story.

Despite being categorized as a horror movie, Black Wake makes a clear attempt to dig deeper, foraying into the realms of neuroscience, environmental decay, and the contentious topic of governmental experimentation. This paves the way for critic and audience interpretations that range beyond the typical confines of its genre.

In Black Wake, viewers find an intricate web of mystery, horror, and science fiction. The film's plot line keeps viewers engaged with its unique approach and style. It's a must-watch for not just horror and science fiction enthusiasts but for anyone who enjoys a well-constructed plot that brings unexpected turns and leaves them guessing till the end.

A credible and eerie speculation into government conspiracies and horrors that lie beneath the surface of our perceived realities, Black Wake is a dark and thrilling ride that captures your attention from start to finish, bordering on the edge of the never-fully-explored relationship between science reality and science fiction.