Hippopotamus

"Hippopotamus," a thrilling dramatic movie from 2018, emerges as a cinematic masterpiece in the genre of psychological drama and takes the viewers on a roller-coaster ride full of surprising twists and turns. Directed by Edward A. Palmer, the movie stars Ingvild Deila, well known for her performance in "Avengers: Age of Ultron," Jonathan Cobb, and Tom Lincoln. This intricately woven drama explores the depths of human resilience and tests the boundaries between reality and illusion, taking the audience through an unforgettable cinematic experience.

As the movie begins, we find our main protagonist, Ruby (Ingvild Deila), waking up in a dimly lit, empty room, devoid of any doors or windows except for a bed and meals that come mysteriously from an unknown source. The room seems as desolate as Ruby feels, with its cold and harsh atmosphere perfectly reflecting the loneliness that she is thrust into. Ruby's last memory is that of lying in bed with her boyfriend, Tom (Jonathan Cobb), and this strange place she finds herself in couldn't be further from her once comfortable reality.

Ruby quickly realizes that not only is she trapped but also her kidnapper has gone to extraordinary lengths in incapacitating her, both physically and mentally. Despite being held captive and losing her mobility due to paralysis below her knees, Ruby is not the type to succumb to despair easily. She showcases a remarkable spirit, demonstrating the resilience of human endurance.

Ingvild Deila delivers an emotive and powerful performance as Ruby, managing to accurately depict a vast range of emotions without a great deal of physical movement to work with. This portrayal effectively captures the viewers and makes them root for Ruby as she tries to navigate through her puzzling predicament.

Riding alongside Ruby's emotional journey is Tom Lincoln who plays 'The Man,' as enigmatic and ominous as the name suggests. Tom's role in this psychological thriller is as compelling as it is cryptic. He adds a captivating dynamic to the story with his peculiar and intense persona, and his involving story arc keeps the audience hooked, making them constantly question his intentions and motivations.

Jonathan Cobb, who is remembered fondly for his performance in "William," plays an equally important role as Ruby’s boyfriend. Even though his physical presence in the movie is limited, his influence on the plot is significant, with his character acting as a crucial driving force for Ruby's survival instincts.

The movie's intrigue lies in its subtleties, its unsaid words, and its silences. The cinematography aids in brilliantly setting the mood for this poignant drama as viewers are taken through shifting perspectives and strategically designed aesthetics that add layers to the storyline. ‘Hippopotamus’ provides a raw, unnerving look at the human psyche and the fight-or-flight instinct inherent within us.

The movie unfolds slowly, with its grip around the viewers ever-tightening, leaving them in a state of suspense and anticipation. It masterfully exploits the narrative technique of the unreliable narrator, throwing both Ruby and the audience into a state of disarray, where the line between reality and lucidity becomes blurry. At its core, it is a survival story intertwined with mystery and psychological elements.

"Hippopotamus" ultimately is a gripping exploration of survival, captivity, and the human spirit when set against seemingly insurmountable odds. With captivating performances, an intense atmosphere, and a deeply complex narrative, it's a movie that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats, questioning what lurks in the shadows while desperately seeking the light at the end of the tunnel.