Mentally Apart

Mentally Apart is a harrowing, chilling, and suspenseful psychological drama film released in 2020. Directed by Joe Pomarico and written by Christine James Walker, the movie stands as an eerie testament to the human mind's fragile boundaries. The star-studded cast includes actors like Christine James Walker, Larry Bernardo, Andreas Fortes, who bring their characters to life with raw intensity.

The movie follows the life of Luna (Christine James Walker), a young woman reeling in the aftermath of her boyfriend's suicide. She moves forward with her life, carrying an emotional burden heavier than anyone can comprehend. Christine James Walker delivers a compelling performance, depicting Luna's anguish, haunted memories, and her depressing journey towards isolation. Each scene with Luna pulls the strings of the viewer's souls as they sympathize with her.

On the surface, Luna seeks solace in the routine of daily life. However, during her toughest moments, Luna retreats into her mind, where she conducts lengthy conversations with her deceased boyfriend, Chance (Larry Bernardo). Bernardo's portrayal of Chance is equally gripping, exploiting the subtlety of the dialogues to amplify Luna's inner torment. His character appears not just as a figment of Luna's imagination, but also as a metaphorical representation of Luna's unresolved pain and repressed guilt that cease to fade.

As Luna continues her struggle, her interaction with Chance evolves from being comforting to distressing, morphing the narrative from a tragic love story into a bone-chilling psychological thriller. This shift is masterfully presented, depicting the mind's ability to blur reality and illusion, leaving viewers questioning their perception.

Andreas Fortes, playing Luna's supportive yet apprehensive brother, Lucas, provides a much-needed external perspective on Luna's crumbling mental state. His role as a bystander and his attempts to help Luna give him a distinct aura, shaping him as the much-needed pillar of Luna's support system.

Whether it's the touching exchange between Luna and Lucas or Luna's fervent internal dialogues with Chance, a larger theme of mental health is weaved into the narrative's fabric. The movie underscores the subjects of grief, trauma, and depression in an honest, sensitive, and understated way.

The film is beautifully shot, accentuating the unsettling atmosphere encompassing Luna's life. Moments of silence are used effectively, underlining the subdued dread lurking in Luna's mind. The color palette employed throughout the film paints a gloomy picture, a reflection of Luna's mental phase.

Mentally Apart is not just a story but an immersive experience. The audience is compelled to delve deep into Luna's psyche, navigating through her mind's labyrinth tied up by guilt, love, and loss. The stark depiction of Luna's desperate attempt to comprehend and accept her boyfriend's suicide places suicide in a broader context, making viewers reckon with the complexity of mental health issues.

The haunting music score by Michael Wooten sets the tone of the movie. The score feels more like a melody of the mind, subtly underscoring Luna's dreadful journey. It gives a haunting undertone to the story, creating suspense and a sense of dread that keeps audiences on the edge of their seat throughout the movie.

Screenwriter Christine James Walker deserves praise for creating rich characters full of depth. The characters pull the viewers into the whirlwind of their complex emotions, adding an extra layer to the narrative's depth. It's her keen understanding and sensitive portrayal of personal tragedy and mental health issues that make this film resonate with audiences.

Mentally Apart is a well-crafted psychological thriller with a touch of horror. It's a thought-provoking film about love, loss, and mental health, pushing the envelope by finding a perfect balance between a heartfelt drama and a suspenseful thriller. The film leaves its viewers gasping, hoping, and fearing for Luna, making it an emotionally charged cinematic experience.

To sum it up, Mentally Apart is a poignant exploration of a human being spiraling into a pit of despair and guilt after a traumatic event. It's a movie that both terrifies and moves its audience, a dark tale of love lost, guilt carried, and a mind falling apart. It's a must-watch for those who appreciate a good psychological thriller with a heavy emphasis on character development and mental health issues. The film's intense plotting and spectacular performances are likely to leave a lasting impact long after the final credits roll.