Despair

Despair is a thrilling 2017 film that will leave you on the edge of your seat, providing a gripping narrative and excellent performances from its talented cast. The film stars Ryan O'Grady, Michael Wouters, and Jodyanne Richardson, all delivering compelling performances in this psychological drama.

The story centers on the character of Emily Clarke, a young woman portrayed brilliantly by Jodyanne Richardson. Emily's life takes a horrifying turn when she wakes up alone in what appears to be an eerie and desolate forest. With no memory of how she ended up there or any notion of time, her confusion and panic soon escalate into sheer terror as she attempts to make sense of her new, unsettling reality. Despair illustrates Emily's journey as she fights for survival while battling the whelming dread of her circumstances. Consequently, this forest, this seemingly isolated slice of nature, becomes less of a tranquil refuge and more of her chilling prison.

Ryan O'Grady plays the role of Robert, an enigmatic character who mysteriously emerges from the woods to cross paths with our protagonist. His alarming knowledge of Emily's situation and the forest surprisingly doesn't bring comfort but begets more questions. The tension between these two characters adds further suspense to the film, establishing a compelling dynamic in which both characters must confront their fears and secrets, bouncing emotional energy and creating uncertainty that drives the narrative forward.

Michael Wouters, meanwhile, excels as the character of Sam, an individual with a direct but unsure connection to Emily. Sam is tied into the plot with a blend of backstories and unfolding realities, both of which serve to amplify the intrigue of the film. His role forms part of the bigger picture that slowly reveals itself as the narrative advances, adding layers to the storyline and deepening the mystery.

Director Hank Orion takes viewers on an emotional roller coaster ride, allowing them to delve into a world where fear and confusion are paramount and where isolation becomes its own suspenseful character. He maintains a mood of unsettling anticipation throughout the film with numerous well-staged twists that keep audiences constantly off-balance, forever unsure where the story is headed next. The director’s use of compelling camera angles and atmospheric scenery brings depth to this stark surround, going beyond the norm of simple set-buildings and making the whole environment come alive, further enhancing the narrative's tense elements.

In addition, Oriana Oppice’s masterful cinematography, employing a contrasting mix of stark lighting and deep shadows, creates a haunting tone that fuels the ambiance of despair. This blend of light and darkness, a metaphorical representation of hope and fear, unease and bravery, comes to define this film on a visual level.

The music, a key entity in setting the tenor of any film, is competently handled by composer Thomas Ragsdale. He uses minimalistic, edgy pieces to compliment the visuals and peels layers with the chilling score, making the audience feel the deep, pulsating dread in every scene.

Despite the film's eerie nature, the narrative doesn't stray far from underlying themes of hope and resilience, questioning how far one can go to survive and the strength of the human spirit when facing unimaginable odds. Despair becomes more than a simple horror-thriller, evolving into a profound exploration of determination, struggle, unknown fears, and the extremes one could go to when caught amidst these.

Overall, Despair is a tense film experience that marries visual storytelling with psychological terror. It keeps the audience guessing till the end, with its intense performances, strong narrative, and atmospheric cinematography. If you are a fan of psychological thrillers and dramas with gripping twists, the unforgettable journey that is Despair is likely to be one you'll appreciate.