Patient Seven

Patient Seven is a 2016 horror anthology film that weaves together multiple narratives to create a unique cinematic experience that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Michael Ironside, eventually becoming the central character in the narrative, plays the role of Dr. Marcus, a renowned psychiatrist who has recently arrived at a maximum-security asylum with an unusual request: he seeks to find, analyze, and interview seven of the most insane patients the asylum houses. Each patient presents a unique story, and most importantly, a tale of their supposed horrific act that led to their confinement. Ironside's character is brilliantly brought to life; a clever, experienced, and somewhat eccentric professional with a distinctive methodology, adding a certain enigma to the overall plot.

Playing against his character, we are introduced to other two main players, Jack Plotnick and Drew Fonteiro, adding dimensions to the assemblage. Plotnick, known for his robust performances, brings forth an unusual patient personality ushering the narrative layer of the plot into the viewers’ psyche. Following suit, Fonteiro offers impressive acting skills with his narrative, sweeping the audience deeper into the mystery of 'Patient Seven.'

The film, directed by Danny Draven, Paul Davis, Ómar Örn Hauksson, Dean Hewison, Joel Morgan, Johannes Persson and Nicholas Peterson, offers an unusual structure: a wrapping-around narrative that is interlaced with a series of seven standalone horror short films. The specific horror films included in Patient Seven have been cherry-picked from award-winning shorts around the globe. Consequently, not only does the film offer distinct, carefully selected narratives, but it also provides a showcase of impressive, international talent.

Stylistically, the short horror films within the anthology encompass a broad range of the genre, playing with various tropes and providing attention-grabbing variations in theme, style, and storytelling. The separate stories explore both traditional and modern versions of horror - from the spine-tingling terror of the supernatural to the grotesque realities of human mind and its encounter with darkness.

Patient Seven plays with the popular horror concept of asylums as places brimming with dark secrets and unstable minds, taking the audience on a chilling and riveting journey into the depths of human psychosis and the supernatural. Each of the patient's stories explores individual perspectives on horror, with Dr. Marcus' own journey threading them all together into a cohesive climax.

Beside the psychological themed narrative, the technical aspects of the movie also deserves a mention. Embraced with highly authentic backdrop, ominous environment, and vivid visualization, the movie successfully brings out a terrifying atmosphere to its viewer. The heart-pounding soundtrack and convincing dialogue delivery contribute towards creating an immersive thriller experience. The editing provides a seamless transition from one plot to another easing the understanding of intertwined narratives.

With a balanced pace and a blend of different horror styles, Patient Seven is a film intended to test the nerves of horror enthusiasts. The overarching narrative creates anticipation and suspense, holding the viewer's interest between the jolts of fear provided by each short film. Each segment brings out a different fear factor, leaving no time to breathe, maintaining the suspense element till the end.

Also noteworthy is the ensemble cast, comprised of actors who are consummate professionals, able to embody their wildly varying roles with ease, and assisting in creating a genuinely unsettling, eerie atmosphere. Every story told stands on its own and has its characters, which are well written, presented, and possessed depth, each delivering memorable performances.

In conclusion, Patient Seven is an innovative approach to the multiple-narrative plotline, exploiting the exciting possibilities of anthology storytelling. It takes viewers on a roller coaster ride of terror, suspense, and the unexpected. The film successfully manages to intrigue, scare, and surprise its audience, it unearths the thrill of unpredictable narrative threads coupled with the elegance of independent cinematic horror. Patient Seven serves as a beautiful, terrifying piece of film work that is likely to hold a firm grip on viewers, drawing them into its shocking, yet captivating world. For those who thoroughly enjoy the thrill and adrenaline rush that accompanies a good horror film, Patient Seven might just be a perfect choice.