Neverwas

Neverwas, a 2005 psychological drama movie, weaves a tale that is truly a blend of magic, mystery and the exploration of the human mind. The stellar cast, featuring Aaron Eckhart, Ian McKellen and Brittany Murphy, enriches the movie, creating a captivating atmosphere that grips the viewers from start to finish.

The storyline revolves around the character of Dr. Zach Riley (played by Aaron Eckhart), who takes up a job at the Millwood Psychiatric Clinic, an asylum where his father, T.L. Pierson – a famous children's author, underwent treatment. Struck by his father’s untimely death, which was by suicide, he was never able to come to terms with the loss and felt drawn to understanding his father’s troubled psyche. It’s the same asylum that serves as the setting for his father’s acclaimed book, “Neverwas”.

Ian McKellen portrays an important character, Gabriel Finch, who is a patient in the clinic believed to be living in his imaginary kingdom – the very kingdom etched in Pierson’s children’s book, Neverwas. Whilst Brittany Murphy plays Maggie Paige, a fellow psychiatrist at the clinic and Zach’s romantic interest, who provides a grounding strength and clarity to Zach during the unraveling of the narrative.

The film, in essence, is a journey of self-discovery, as Zach, realizing that the fantasy world created by his father might not be just an invented realm but could be rooted in his father's experiences with Finch. He embarks, in parallel, on an internal exploration to understand his father’s past traumas, his artwork, and eventually Finch's role in Pierson’s life. The film is an enthralling voyage from one reality to another, blurring the lines between insanity and genius, imagination and reality, past and present.

Director Joshua Stern's treatment of the story reads like a fantasy woven through the real world. Dramatic, yet grounded. The occasional fantasy elements manifest themselves subtly but do not override the human and psychological aspects of the narrative. Stern has succeeded in preserving the inherent charm and intricacies of the characters while unraveling the complexities of the human mind.

The cinematography and visual aesthetics of Neverwas are commendable. They manage to render a dreamlike quality to the most ordinary scenes, thus brilliantly mirroring the theme and feel of the story. The production design is superb, successfully recreating an atmosphere that feels like the blurry intersection between real life and the outer edges of imagination.

Aaron Eckhart's portrayal of the dogged and yet sensitive Psychiatrist, Zach Riley, is heartfelt and strikingly sincere. Ian McKellen, as always, delivers a stellar performance, serving up a character whose fragile balance between reality and imagination leaves viewers in awe. Brittany Murphy is a breath of fresh air with her combination of strength and sensitivity. Her role as a caring and understanding counterpart to Eckhart's character adds depth and warmth to the storyline.

The film, despite its complexity and layers, is easy to follow. The element of mystery unfolds gradually without losing grip of the reality; it has been layered well, maintaining the audience's intrigue and curiosity throughout. The film is also characterized by a compelling sound design and soothing music which adds to the overall dreamy quality of the story.

Neverwas, on the whole, is not just a film, but an experience—it allows the audience to probe the realities, intricacies, and mysteries of human mind, using the backdrop of a fantastical story. It is a compelling exploration of the themes of mental illness, trauma, imagination, and the thin line that separates reality from fantasy.

This film may appeal to those who love contemplative cinema and can appreciate nuanced performances and layered storytelling. It’s a film that, while drawing from fantasy themes, takes viewers on a heart-rending journey through the human psyche. Yet, to a casual viewer, it would present itself as a deeply engaging and a mystical tale, blended beautifully with a strong emotional core. It is a cinematic gem that showcases a synergy of imagination and the harsh realities of life, making it a memorable cinematic experience.