Come Back To Me

Come Back To Me is a thrilling and intensely psychological horror film directed by Paul Leyden. Released in 2014, the movie features strong performances from actors Jon Abrahams, Andrew Beckham, and Jeanette Branch among others. Leyden's screenplay interestingly raises questions on the nature of human consciousness, camaraderie, fear, and destiny.

The narrative centers around Sarah (played by Katie Walder) and Josh (played by Matt Passmore), a young married couple living in the suburbs. Sarah suffers terrifying nightmares and begins displaying peculiar behavior that turns their once peaceful existence into a nightmare. Experiencing periods of blackout, Sarah is unable to account for large swaths of her time. These blackouts increase in frequency and length, leaving Sarah questioning her sanity while Josh, albeit panic-stricken, tries to understand and help his wife cope.

The film presents the young couple’s happy and idyllic life which gradually takes a sinister turn. As the blackouts worsen, Sarah starts going missing for prolonged periods and has no recollection of her whereabouts during these absences. The viewer is drawn into Sarah's increasing desperation and fear, as she struggles to comprehend these strange occurrences.

In the backdrop of Sarah and Josh's story, we are introduced to Dale (Jon Abrahams), their charismatic and initially seemingly kind neighbor. However, as the story unfolds, we realize that Dale has a distinctive role in the narrative. The thread of mystery surrounding his character keeps the audience on edge. As the narrative progresses, the lines between the reality of the suburban couple and the mystery surrounding Dale gradually start to blur.

Dale's character is very complex and unsettling to the audience because of his calm demeanor and peculiar, unexplainable behaviors. Likewise, Josh's struggle to understand his wife's inexplicable actions adds another layer of tension to the tale. Driven by his love for Sarah, Josh navigates his way through their deteriorating reality, which gets muddled further with ever-increasing fear and hopelessness.

The movie takes on an intense turn as Sarah seeks answers to the horrors she's experiencing. The uncertainty of her situation, coupled with the dread of her disappearing reality, forms a compelling narrative that is both chilling and riveting.

The performances are noteworthy, with Katie Walder portraying the mental and emotional turmoil of Sarah with great depth. Jon Abrahams delivers an eerily convincing portrayal of Dale, maintaining a delicate balancing act between charm and the sinister. Matt Passmore gives a compelling performance as a supportive and concerned husband, wrestling with the dire circumstances his wife is in.

Paul Leyden manages to create an atmosphere of tension, terror, and ambiguity that sustains throughout the movie. The drawn-out suspense and the growing sense of dread enhance the slow-burning horror aspect of the film. Leyden is skilled in instilling an ominous and claustrophobic atmosphere, underpinned by an unsettling soundtrack that leaves you reeling long after the credits roll.

Come Back To Me demonstrates the director's skill through the interplay of light and dark, and the intelligent use of silence and sound to amplify the suspense. Leyden utilizes subtle hints, foreshadowing, and well-placed red herrings to keep viewers guessing until the end. The film’s cinematography creates a classic horror vibe, while the understated but consistent special effects contribute to the eerie atmosphere without resorting to gory imagery.

In essence, Come Back To Me is a captivating psychological horror movie with a focus on character development and emotional resonance. It explores the themes of fear, inexplicable happenings, marital bonds, and mental stability through a lens of mystery and suspense. Overall, this movie is certain to keep viewers on the edge of their seats, swiftly moving from one thrilling scene to another while masterfully maintaining a high level of suspense all the way through.