Eight

Eight is an evocative drama-thriller film directed by prominent Australian filmmaker, Peter Blackburn, released in 2016. This powerful and deeply empathetic film explores the theme of mental health through a nuanced and respectful lens. It presents the audience with a visceral and highly personal exploration of the human experience of an OCD-afflicted woman – a role profoundly portrayed by Jane Elizabeth Barry.

Barry plays Sarah Prentice, a woman who suffers not only from OCD but also mysophobia, an intense fear of germs. As the lead of the movie, Barry delivers an impeccable performance, capturing her character’s intricacies, conflict, and vulnerability with striking authenticity. This exceptional portrayal, combined with Blackburn’s incisive direction, is vital to the success of the film, as much of the narrative unfolds in intimate monologues and close-ups.

Eight follows Sarah through 24 horrid hours, chronicling her life trapped in her own home due to her severe OCD and mysophobia. As we watch her navigate these unyielding disorders, a picture of her life, past and present, begins to painstakingly form. This study of her character is subtly filled in through the use of flashbacks, leading us into deeper layers of understanding. Every action she takes, no matter how insignificant it may seem, is a battle against her ailment and a testament to her perseverance.

Libby Munro plays the character, Isabella, Sarah's caring and patient nurse. Isabella's dedication to Sarah and the difficulties they face together serve to highlight the challenges that caregivers of chronically ill patients often experience – an aspect of the narrative that grasps the reality of illness from different perspectives. This dynamic between Sarah and Isabella forms the backbone of the film, showcasing the trial and pain brought about by their circumstances, as well as the peculiar bond they share.

The character of Alice, portrayed by Cadence Parkes, brings a significant turning point in the narrative. In this triangle of characters, Alice represents the innocence of childhood and its stark contrast to Sarah's restrictive and fear-driven life. Her character serves to illuminate the aspects of Sarah's humanity that are often hidden beneath her condition.

Echoed in the barren yet pristine environment where Sarah finds herself trapped, the cinematography is strikingly gripping. The film's aesthetics employ an almost dream-like quality, creating a contrast to the harsh reality of Sarah’s life. With the clever use of lighting and a meticulously controlled color palette, the visual elements remain true to the narrative's essence. Furthermore, the instrumental score complements the visual storytelling, subtly heightening the film’s shifting moods.

What's compelling about Eight is its ability to balance bleakness with beauty. The film does not shy away from the harsh realities of living with a mental illness, nor does it make the mistake of exploiting it for mere shock value. Instead, Eight leans into its leading character's harrowing battles with profound honesty truly anchored in empathy. It derives its intensity from raw emotion and mental struggle rather than physical action – an approach that makes for an engaging and moving cinematic experience.

Yet, the movie is not all gloom. Blackburn skillfully incorporates moments of warmth through the strong emotional bonds shared between the characters. These rare moments of brightness not only offer relief amidst the pervasive sense of despair but also serve as a reminder of the inherent resilience of the human spirit.

The performances delivered by the cast are commendably dedicated. Barry, with her nuanced performance, completely immerses herself into the role — reflecting the perseverance, grit, and vulnerability of a woman dealing with severe mental health issues. Supporting actresses Munro and Parkes also deliver powerful performances, adding to the realistic portrayal of their characters and to the unique dynamic of the film.

In conclusion, Eight is an introspective film with a strong emphasis on character study and emotional exploration. Its thoughtful cinematography and sound design make for an engaging watch. The movie's vivid portrayal of mental health and the performances by its cast create an experience that's likely to linger in viewers' minds well past the closing credits. The film successfully addresses the topic of mental illness with tact and sensitivity — achieving a delicate balance between depicting the stark harshness of its lead character’s condition and maintaining a thoroughly humanistic outlook.