Needlestick

Needlestick is an intense thriller film from 2017, designed to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Filled with engrossing plot twists and compelling characters, this film delivers a chilling blend of medical drama, suspenseful horror, and psychological thrills. Not a film for the faint-hearted, it dives into the darkest realms of morality, ethics and the never-ending pursuit of everlasting youth.

The film sets itself in a clinical landscape: a secluded hospital crippled by time, and yet teeming with brilliant medical minds. The narrative pivots around the ambitious character of Dr. Everett Barnard, portrayed by Lance Henriksen, an acclaimed actor known for his remarkable performances in genres of suspense and horror. Dr. Barnard is a world-renowned heart surgeon, revered and feared by many for his exacting standards and seemingly icy demeanor. However, behind this shimmering facade of brilliance hide dark secrets and a consuming obsession with the elusive elixir of life.

Harry Lennix, recognised for his commanding presence onscreen, steps into the role of Detective Maynard. He's dedicated to his craft and unwavering in his pursuit of the truth, steadily unraveling the hidden skeletons in this mysterious hospital. Michael Traynor, best known for his part in The Walking Dead, plays a young, intrepid medical student who unwittingly finds himself tangled in this tension-filled web of intrigue, ambition, and danger.

The film opens with the revelation of Dr. Barnard's trailblazing new technique that promises to defy the aging process. This seemingly miraculous development draws the attention of the medical world, but also raises suspicion. As he becomes more elusive and obsessed with his work, laudable medical professionals begin to question his motives. The sudden death of a patient undergoing this revolutionary procedure complicates matters further and invites an investigation led by Detective Maynard, subtly hinting at the darker underpinnings of the hospital.

Dr. Barnard's medical students, including Traynor's character, soon find themselves entangled in a life-threatening experiment. They are forced into a deadly game of cat and mouse within the confines of the eerie hospital. With its long, haunting corridors and antiquated medical facilities, the setting plays a powerful role in augmenting the unnerving atmosphere of the film.

As each character is forced to confront their deepest fears and ethical boundaries, the suspense gradually builds up, creating a captivating sense of foreboding that compels viewers to watch more. Every action and event triggers consequences that draw the characters into a deadly spiral of terror and desperation.

Visually, Needlestick is rich with eerie cinematography that enhances the atmosphere of suspense. The most mundane things, such as flickering lights or the sterile glare of surgical instruments, are woven seamlessly into the storyline to intensify the relentless sense of danger and uncertainty. The minimalist score complements the visual narrative perfectly, maintaining a tension-infested tone throughout the film's duration.

Needlestick is a bold exploration of the ethical dilemma of manipulating nature for human benefit. It delves into the scary extents to which ambition and desperation can push individuals, while raising pertinent questions about morality, scientific ethics, and the cost of immortality. What sets Needlestick apart is its shrewd blending of medical drama with horror, a combination that amplifies the impact of the narrative and keeps audiences guessing.

Under the masterful direction of Steven Karageanes, Needlestick succeeds in creating a unique and chilling atmosphere that remains embedded in the mind long after the credits roll. This film is a must-watch for fans of the thriller genre, with its intriguing premise, strong performances, and thought-provoking narrative that pushes the boundaries of traditional horror storytelling.