Patrick

Patrick is a compelling and spine-chilling 1978 Australian science fiction horror movie directed by Richard Franklin set in the enigmatic world of the supernatural. The film showcases a strong cast including Susan Penhaligon, Robert Helpmann, and Rod Mullinar, presenting exceptional performances that heighten the suspense and maintain a gripping tempo throughout the narrative.

Patrick brings together the inexplicable phenomena of telekinesis and supernatural influences, intensified by an eerie environment to deliver a movie filled with suspense and anticipation that hovers around the character Patrick. Playing the role of Patrick, Robert Thompson is a comatose hospital patient who compellingly warrants our attention from the start despite his inert status. With zero physical activity and denied the liberty of words, Thompson communicates through the flicker of his eyes, encapsulating the audience in his mystic powers.

Susan Penhaligon, splendidly giving life to the character of Kathie Jacquard, a recently hired nurse who is tasked with providing care to Patrick, dominates the screen with her strong persona. Unaware of what lies ahead, Penhaligon’s character is thrown into a maelstrom of haunting experiences around Patrick, attempting to comprehend the inexplicable and tangible horror. The palpable chemistry and tension between Penhaligon and Thompson make for an engaging watch.

Further enriching the plot are the two astute characters Dr. Roget, played by Robert Helpmann, and Kathie’s boyfriend, Ed, portrayed by Rod Mullinar. Dr. Roget, the incharge of the hospital, is skeptical of Patrick’s enigmatic aura and urges Kathie to maintain a professional boundary. On the other hand, Ed is increasingly perturbed by Kathie’s unusual affinity to Patrick and their ensuing confrontations add high voltage drama to this unpredictable narrative.

The film smartly dips into the unknown, the supernatural, and the inexplicable to create an eldritch and hair-raising ambiance. The narrative weaves the evident and the hidden, enabling the viewers to interact with the fright and anticipation of the characters. Moments of silence are used intensely, giving space for the horror to creep in slowly until it engulfs the viewers in waves of bone-chilling fear.

Richard Franklin's craftsmanship evidently shines throughout the film as he brilliantly incorporates the elements of suspense and anticipation, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. Franklin's talent for maintaining a fine balance between unveiling and concealing mystery is commendable, as he effectively paces the narrative, allowing viewers' curiosity to build alongside the deepening plot.

Today, Patrick is lauded as a cult classic, recognized for its originality and uniqueness in the horror genre. Teeming with intense supernatural themes and outstanding performances by the cast, the film showcases a compelling narrative that chronicles the interplay of various human emotions while maneuvering through the bizarre and the unexplained.

The cinematography amplifies the ethereal atmosphere of the film, with excellent shot compositions that capture Patrick's eeriness and the unsettling elements of the hospital. Notably, the film's score, with its haunting symphony, adds to the overall unsettling tone of the narrative, making Patrick a milestone in the horror genre.

To sum it up, Patrick is a fascinating exploration into the dimensions of telekinetic and supernatural phenomena. With Susan Penhaligon’s convincing performance as Kathie, Robert Thompson’s spine-tingling portrayal of Patrick, and commendable direction from Richard Franklin, the movie shines in its genre. Its successful blend of supernatural elements with intense human emotion creates a narrative that is both mysterious and enthralling, making it an unforgettable experience for any horror movie aficionado.

Whether you're a fan of supernatural horror, or a cinematic adventurer keen to explore the obscure dimensions of human psyche, Patrick is sure to engage, entertain, and leave viewers in awe of its unique narrative twist on the horror genre. This film is a testament to the fact that the fear of the unknown often outweighs the fear of the known, providing a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat survival journey that will leave you thoroughly chilled and captivated until the very end.