Decay

Decay (2015) is a psychological thriller that seamlessly weaves suspense, horror, and drama all into a tightly wound narrative characterized by meticulous pacing and a steady crescendo of tension. Directed by Joseph Wartnerchaney and starring an incredible cast comprising Rob Zabrecky, Lisa Howard, and Elisha Yaffe, the film dives into the isolating experience of loneliness and the horror it can wreak on a person's mental state.

The movie centers around Jonathan (Rob Zabrecky), a misanthropic and reclusive man who has lived an isolated existence in his decaying yet magnificent mansion. Living far from people, Jonathan's life is characterized by solitude and sterility wherein his days are filled with carefully observed routines that keep his world at bay. These routines consist of tasks such as rigorous housekeeping, gardening, and observing the passing of days from a distance, his life circling in a monotonous and closed-loop. Zabrecky delivers an outstanding performance, making Jonathan's quirks, eccentricities, and descent into madness believable and stirring.

His cocooned existence changes abruptly after he hires a housekeeper to aid him with his daily tasks. Played by Lisa Howard, the housekeeper appears undeterred by the somber atmosphere of his home or Jonathan’s other-worldly peculiarities. Jonathan steers clear of human connection over the fear of attachment. But, the housekeeper's arrival compels him to face his fear of human interaction which brings about an unexpected transformation in his demeanor and life.

This change in Jonathan's life doesn't arrive as a quiet breath of fresh air but rather as a horrifying whirlwind. Bizarre incidents and strange happenings begin to occur around the mansion driving Jonathan further into the depths of terror and paranoia. Lisa Howard delivers a brilliant performance, demonstrating a range of emotions, from her character's initial naivety to terror, with captivating grace.

Decay holds a deeply haunting and tragic narrative exploring a man's intense solitude and borderline mania at its heart. The movie effectively uses the horror and thriller genre to explore these aspects and translate them into a movie-watching experience that is dripping with suspense and tension, which escalates to an ominous climax.

Elisha Yaffe adds another layer of intrigue to the plot. The dynamism of the characters creates an interesting juxtaposition - a deeply introverted middle-aged man struggling with a dark past, a seemingly innocent woman with an unspecified purpose, and intriguing side characters that add to the suspenseful atmosphere.

Joseph Wartnerchaney's skilled direction makes the cinematic charisma of Decay quite clear. The film is visually stunning with a haunting mise-en-scène that expresses Jonathan's inner turbulence and the mansion's eerie presence. The clever cinematography ensures every shot accentuates the intrigue and draws the viewer deeper into the protagonist's personal hell. The ominously gloomy and muted color palette along with slow-burning suspense combines to create a growing sense of dread and anticipation, which permeate the movie.

Rob Zabrecky and Lisa Howard's performances are robust and engaging, and they craftily draw viewers into their characters' evolution from strangers to uneasy acquaintances to victims of an unshakeable terror. The dynamics between the two forms the central core of the movie and makes it a compelling story about loneliness, fear, and the horrors of the human psyche.

Decay (2015) presents an engulfing narrative driven by the powerhouse performances of its leads, astute direction, and an ambiance of escalating horror and suspense. Every character, every dialogue, every sequence performs a single task: to maintain a tight grip on the flow of suspense and horror, keeping viewers invested until the very end. Decay meticulously threads each element of the film, creating a slow-burning chiller that explores the darker recesses of the human mind, making it a must-watch for every fan of the thriller/horror genre.