DOE

DOE is a captivating psychological thriller directed by Justin Foia that was released in 2018 and stars actors Timothy Davis, Tatyana Ali, and Mathew St. Patrick. The movie combines aspects of thriller, mystery, and drama genres to present a carefully woven storyline that is as enthralling as it is suspenseful.

The film primarily revolves around the character John Hix, portrayed by Timothy Davis, who wakes up at the bottom of a hill, near a crashed vehicle, with no recollection of who he is, or how he ended up there. All he has is a vintage Nissan 240, a cell phone, and a slip of paper containing an address. Hix is not injured but suffers from retrograde amnesia, meaning he cannot remember anything about his life before that pivotal point. Employing the initially sparse clues he has at his disposal, Hix embarks on a spirited quest to uncover his lost identity and past.

Tatyana Ali depicts the role of Jane Doe, Hix’s wife, who supports him in attempting to unravel his enigmatic past. Ali's performance is full of a profound intensity that illustrates a wife's determined struggle to reconnect her husband with his forgotten past. Her character oscillates between being patient, hopeful, devastated, and worried, and she brings authenticity to all these emotional states.

Mathew St. Patrick joins the storyline as Sheriff Pascal, the no-nonsense law enforcer investigating the circumstances that led to Hix's amnesia. As Hix’s past starts to reveal itself, dark secrets emerge, and the web of conspiracy and danger spins deeper. Sheriff Pascal's role is pivotal to unfolding the mystery behind Hix's amnesia, and St. Patrick depicts this inquisitive character with rich nuance and intensity.

Justin Foia, the director, succeeds in maintaining a balance of suspense and discovery throughout the movie. His deft camerawork and nuanced storytelling delineate this healthy balance, all the while keeping the viewer hooked to the evolving plotlines. The movie smoothly transitions between present and past sequences, creating a sense of urgency and suspense that keeps viewers on their toes. The puzzles of the plot are masterfully formulated so as to keep viewers thoroughly engaged and invested in Hix's expedition.

Foia’s creative screenplay is enhanced by an impressive score which complements the atmosphere of the film. The music and sound design are pivotal in building tension, suspense, and emotionally charged scenes. Each sound cue appears to be meticulously placed to enhance the viewing experience and navigate the viewer's emotions.

A significant element in DOE is the enthralling drama crafted around the central character dealing with retrograde amnesia. The movie provides a profound insight into what such a situation may look like from the victim's perspective but also from the viewpoint of those associated with the victim. Moreover, it's not only about uncovering the past but also depicts how a situation as dramatic as amnesia can precipitate change in personality, relationships, and life as a whole.

It's also worth mentioning the sublime cinematography. The visual storytelling is not only captivating but illustrates an empathetic display of emotions, life-changing events, and intricately weaves together multiple plotlines. The skilled use of lighting, camera angles and color palette contributes to the overall mysterious and suspenseful tone of the movie.

In summary, DOE is an enthralling, intriguing, and emotionally-charged movie. The performances of Timothy Davis, Tatyana Ali, and Mathew St. Patrick, coupled with Foia’s insightful direction and the well-crafted screenplay, breathe life into the plot, making it a compelling watch for fans of suspense and drama genres. The film succeeds in delivering suspenseful entertainment while at the same time raising thought-provoking questions about identity, memory, and the power of the past. It's a movie that will captivate your attention from the opening scene right through to its dramatic conclusion.