Lost Solace

Lost Solace, released in 2016, weaves a thrilling and intense narrative that embarks on an unchartered journey through the human consciousness. The film features Andrew Jenkins as the lead character, supported by Melissa Roxburgh and Leah Gibson. Directed by Chris Scheuerman, Lost Solace bestows upon its audience a unique blend of science-fiction, drama, and psychological thriller, delivering a gripping story that centres on the topic of psychopathy, human connections and redemption.

Andrew Jenkins plays the central character, Spence, an affluent, charismatic, and high-functioning psychopath. Spence possesses an intriguing charm that doesn't easily raise suspicions about his hazardous exploits. He leads an exorbitant lifestyle, using other people for his pleasure without ever forming genuine connections or experiencing any sense of remorse or guilt about his actions.

However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he partakes in an experimental ecstasy-like drug. Suddenly, for the first time in his life, Spence begins to feel empathy and emotional pain. The emotional anhedonia that once protected him from remorse or guilt is peeled away, and he is thrown into an uncomfortable and disconcerting universe of emotions he has never experienced before.

Melissa Roxburgh plays the role of Azaria, a girl who gets entangled in Spence's complex life. Skilfully manoeuvring through an intricate and constantly evolving relationship with Spence, Azaria becomes a potential catalyst for his transformation. Leah Gibson, on the other hand, plays the character of Brooke, another significant though somewhat enigmatic figure in Spence's life, adding another layer to the film’s intricate plot.

With a storyline that explores the deep aspects of human consciousness, Lost Solace doesn't offer any cheap jump-scares or gruesome scenes to keep the audience on the edge. Instead, it relies on intellectual stimulation and psychological twists, making it a psychological thriller in the truest sense. Its exploration of psychopathy provides an engaging narrative that continues to keep the viewers guessing until the very end.

The director masterfully uses visual storytelling to highlight Spence's transition of consciousness. As Spence navigates his newly acquired emotional capacity, the viewers get a visual treat of his mind-space, which is beautifully and authentically depicted. The visual effects, together with a compelling score, effectively assist in creating the suspense and tension that a thriller demands.

One of the movie's strengths lies in its top-notch acting. Andrew Jenkins delivers a stellar performance as Spence, capturing the essence of his character's transformation from a suave and emotionless individual into a man wrestling with his newly found emotions. The supporting performances from Melissa Roxburgh and Leah Gibson further enhance the cinematic quality of the film.

Unique to its genre, Lost Solace incites the audience to question the nature of psychopathy, the role of empathy in defining our humanity, and the possibility of redemption. It presents a riveting tale of a man caught in the middle of his transition from being devoid of emotions to getting bombarded by them, ultimately leading him on a road to self-discovery, forgiveness, love, and potentially, salvation.

In essence, Lost Solace is more than a simple psychological thriller. It takes its audience on a journey through the human mind and soul, offering a compelling exploration of psychopathy, empathy, and redemption. Its intelligent screenplay, excellent performances, and thoughtful direction make it a worthy watch for fans of thought-provoking cinema.