Dementia

Dementia is a gripping 2015 horror movie directed by Mike Testin. It features a splendid ensemble cast comprising Gene Jones, Kristina Klebe, Hassie Harrison, and Peter Cilella. The movie uses a distinctive narrative style that incorporates horror and thriller elements to explore the mental confusion and spookiness related to dementia.

The film begins with the character portrayal of Vietnam War veteran George (Gene Jones), who has an ailing heart and is beginning to show signs of dementia. Post a heart attack, he's taken care of by his estranged son and granddaughter. His frail health conditions call for the need for a full-time caregiver who can handle his delicate health state and mental instability. Here enters Michelle (Kristina Klebe), an assertive nurse with her own hidden traumas and motivations, who becomes his full-time caregiver.

Michelle's screening process is rushed due to George's son and daughter-in-law's desperation to find assistance as quickly as they’re about to leave for the holiday season. Michelle settles in to make George’s life easier, but soon things take a suspenseful turn. The movie uses the interaction between two principal characters, George and nurse Michelle, to create a tense atmosphere, capturing the audience's attention right from the start.

Gene Jones, who's well known for his role in "No Country for Old Men", depicts the confusion, paranoia, and frustration caused by dementia remarkably. On the other hand, the caretaker Michelle appears controlling and manipulative, adding a creepy element to the narrative.

Dementia dives into the realm of psychological fear and uses the horror of losing one’s mental capabilities as the primary horror element. Yet it also incorporates other elements to keep the audience on the edge of their seat. The dark tone of the film reflects the reality of the characters’ situations, applying pressure and increasing the suspense as the film progresses.

The paranoia that George experiences due to the symptoms of dementia is portrayed through unconventional angles and disoriented visual presentation. It forms a metaphorical labyrinth from which George is trying to find his way out. The line between George's dementia-induced delusions and reality becomes blurrier, creating a chilling experience for the audience.

Dominantly set within the confines of George's old house, the movie brilliantly uses the indoor set to intensify the dramatic tension between the characters. The haunting visage of George's home adds a layer of unnerving atmosphere, making it another character in the story.

At the same time, the movie explores themes of elder abuse, guilt, and redemption. George's past traumas come to the surface as the story unfolds, revealing more about his character and his relationship with his family. Throughout the narrative, viewers are compelled to question the credibility of George's understanding of events, considering his dementia.

Director Mike Testin utilizes the horror-genre in a distinctive style to delve into the psychological machinations of its central subject and deliver nerve-wracking moments. The underlying fears of aging, loss of control, and mental debility enhances the psychological horror aspect of the film. Testin's script also allows for fully-realized characters, which drives the narrative forward.

The cinematography by Jeff Dolen adds to the mood of gloom and uncertainty, painting a visually disturbing picture that complements the narrative's direction. The film polishes its narrative with an eerie soundscape and a striking display of colors and light, making Dementia a compelling watch for horror and thriller fans. Its melding of genres and unique execution sets it apart from most conventional horror films.

Dementia in 2015 takes risks in its narrative approach, using the real-life horror of dementia to construct a chilling horror-thriller experience. The film presents a complex, frightening portrait of deterioration and the destruction that mental illness can wreak. It's a worthy watch for those who enjoy suspenseful, psychological narratives packaged with clever storytelling and strong performances.