Clinical

Clinical is a psychological horror film released in 2017, directed by Alistair Legrand. The movie is a Netflix original that rocks the viewers' comfort zones with its gripping, chilling storyline and impeccable performances. The plot mainly revolves around a psychiatrist traumatized by an unfortunate incident and her struggle to regain her psyche while dealing with a disfiguring patient's emotional troubles. The story is written by Luke Harvis and Alistair Legrand, who subtly blend elements of terror and psychology to bring forth a unique narrative.

Vinessa Shaw, a renowned actress known for her diverse acting skills, plays the protagonist, Dr. Jane Mathis. Shaw brings depth to the character of Dr. Mathis, a woman tormented by a horrifying incident with a patient, which leaves her experiencing a deep-rooted guilt and post-traumatic stress disorder. Attempting to regain a semblance of normalcy, Dr. Mathis continues her life in a house filled with security cameras, regular visits to her mentor, and taking anti-anxiety pills.

Kevin Rahm plays the role of Dr. Terry Drummond, Dr. Mathis' well-meaning mentor and guide, who encourages her to get back on track. Rahm effortlessly portrays the layered, patient character who is trying to help Dr. Mathis heal and move forward from her traumatic experience but also navigate the complexity of their professional relationship.

India Eisley plays Alex, a new patient with a disfigured face who seeks Dr. Mathis's help to cope with her traumatic accident. Alex's disturbed mental state, her nightmares, her constant anxiety reflect upon Eisley's commendable acting. She suffuses Alex with vulnerability and fear, soliciting empathy from the audience while equally contributing to the tense atmosphere of the film.

The cinematography of the movie, designed to evoke a sense of unease, does justice to the genre. It uses cool, clinical blues, gloomy grey shades, and blanching white, thereby creating an environment of dread, anxiety, and terror, underscoring the narrative. Sound design, too, plays a critical role in the film, intensifying the atmosphere of suspense and fear. Every whisper, sudden noise, creak, and footstep adds to the overall terror and psychological intrigue of the film.

The setting of the story is relatively confined, with most scenes taking place within Dr. Mathis' home or her office. This notion of confinement significantly enhances the movie's suspenseful aura. It leads the audience toward a creeping sense of claustrophobia, channeling the anxiety and fear the characters themselves experience.

As for the narrative, Clinical is a psycho-thriller film that gradually uncovers the layers of its plot by blending memories, flashbacks, and nightmares seamlessly, eventually leading to a climax that is both shocking and thought-provoking. The challenge Dr. Jane faces in dealing with her traumas and fear while attempting to treat a patient suffering from similar issues forms the story's crux. Additionally, the plot carefully explores the concept of mental health, the subconscious mind, trauma, anxiety, and the convoluted journey of healing.

Clinical gives the audience an immersive experience of dark and gripping suspense. It’s a journey that delves deep into the human mind, exposing the audience to the darkest corners of human psychology and showcasing the fragility of the human psyche when confronted with traumatic events.

The performances of Vinessa Shaw, Kevin Rahm, and India Eisley are praiseworthy; they bring deep emotional intensity to their characters, adding gravity to the film’s haunting narrative. Director Alistair Legrand, backed by a strong script from Luke Harvis, is successful in steering the story in a way that’ll keep the audience on the edge of their seats throughout its runtime.

Overall, Clinical is a stimulating psychological horror ride that’s bound to leave viewers pondering and questioning the depth and complexity of the human mind well after its conclusion. This is a movie that will undoubtedly keep you gripped from start to finish - a must-watch for fans of the genre.