Perception

Perception is a gripping, contemporary thriller movie released in 2018, starring Caitlin Mehner, Wes Ramsey, and Max Jenkins. The film weaves a captivating story of deception, greed, guilt, and the complex undertones of perceiving reality - as the title suggests.

The narrative revolves around the central character, Daniel (Wes Ramsey), an affluent real estate developer who leads a seemingly perfect life. Beneath his polished exterior, Daniel grapples with an insidious dark side, a character flaw that becomes the film's pivotal turning point. Ramsey's performance highlights the intricacies of the human psyche, bringing a perpetually compelling mix of menace and vulnerability to the protagonist's role.

We're also introduced to Nina (Caitlin Mehner), a struggling psychic medium who needs financial security for her and her son's future. Nina is portrayed as a woman of strength and determination whose motivations push her into the murky world of Daniel's life. Mehner's portrayal of Nina is layered and sensational, inviting us to empathize with her struggles, fears, and moral dilemmas.

In the midst of this is Max Jenkins, who plays a support role. His character is crucial in pivoting the story towards its climax, and he plays his part to perfection, bringing an intriguing dynamic to the overall plot.

In Perception, Daniel hires Nina to use her psychic abilities to connect with the spirit of an affluent deceased woman with sole rights to her vast wealth. Nina finds herself enmeshed in a web of lies spun around material wealth, the less explored aspects of the afterlife, and the paranormal. The circumstances put her in a conflict of interest between using her abilities for exploitation or setting free a soul she is connecting with.

This film delves into the metaphysical realm, providing the audience with intriguing insights into the spiritual side of existence - of death, the afterlife, and the supernatural. It's a beautiful amalgamation of psychological thriller and supernatural drama, resulting in a suspenseful story that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. With razor-sharp narrative skills, the movie explores complex themes, effectively blurring the lines between reality and illusion, between perceptions and deceit.

The cinematography in Perception is highly commendable. The movie showcases a series of atmospheric sequences, filled with striking visuals that enhance the mood and tension. The sense of dread and tension is heightened by the clever use of lighting and shadow, making every scene more dramatic.

Director Ilana Rein intentionally creates an air of mystery, leaving room for speculation and ambivalence. The movie does a commendable job of discussing the power of perception and the manipulation of reality. It raises several deep philosophical questions about manipulation, morality, and the very nature of reality. It's ultimately a movie about how perception can be tempted, twisted, and even completely changed.

Adding to the overall impact of the movie is the haunting score by Rolfe Kent, that perfectly syncs with the movie's twisted narrative. The audience is treated to a harmonized blend of suspense and adrenaline alongside poignant moments of emotional reflection.

Perception blends the everyday and the supernatural in a story that explores the fragile human psyche, power dynamics, and the manipulation of perception. It challenges the audience to question the reality we know and the perception we are offered.

In essence, Perception is not just an ordinary suspense movie but a thought-provoking cinematic piece that forces viewers to question their understanding of reality. A must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers and deep, soul-searching films.