Queen of Earth

Queen of Earth is a profound and equally unsettling drama film released in 2015. Directed and written by Alex Ross Perry, the film is highly characterized by its deep psychological exploration and suspense, and it features exceptional performances from Elisabeth Moss, Katherine Waterston, and Patrick Fugit.

The movie primarily focuses on the lives of two friends Catherine (Elisabeth Moss) and Virginia (Katherine Waterston) who opt to spend a week together at a remote lake house. Both women are coming from distressing situations - Catherine, an artist, is dealing with a recent breakup with her boyfriend, James (Kentucker Audley), and the passing of her father, while Virginia is recovering from a rocky love affair with Rich (Patrick Fugit).

Immersed in a world filled with painful memories and the strangeness of loneliness, the movie explores a fascinating and stimulating drama that focuses on the haunting residue of past relationships and its toll on the present. One expects to escape into a relaxing retreat, but instead, we delve into an ongoing mental breakdown and spiraling descent into madness.

The remote lake house serves as an eerily beautiful setting for this complex narrative. It flows with tranquility and isolation, providing a perfect canvas for the two women to reveal their inner turmoil and lurking frustrations. Both of the characters have shared this retreat in the past, with the joyful days of summer becoming a stark contrast to the unfolding dark winter of their emotional distress.

Added to this, the film arrests the audience with its visually stunning 16mm cinematography by Sean Price Williams. From the captivating opening sequence featuring an intense close-up of Catherine crying to the visually striking glides around the forest and lake, the movie’s aesthetics blend effortlessly with its themes of emotional claustrophobia, mental disintegration, and atmospheric horror.

Elisabeth Moss as Catherine gives an outstanding performance embodying the breathless plight of someone on the verge of a mental breakdown. Her acting brilliantly captures the heartache, fear, anger, and bitterness of her character. On the other hand, Waterston as Virginia presents a seemingly grounded character, which is a captivating contrast to Catherine's mental plunge. These two characters' interaction is a rich tapestry of emotional exploration, filled with authentic moments that lend credibility to their complicated relationship.

Meanwhile, temporal shifts in the narrative structure add intrigue to the progression of events, dexterously depicting the past happier times with the sunny warmth and those of present distress with a darker, colder tone. While the plot is primarily centered upon dialogues and emotions, the narrative moves at a measured yet gripping pace, enhancing the dramatic effect.

In its essence, Queen of Earth is a psychological exploration of the female psyche, focusing on mental health and the intricate, sometimes toxic world of female friendships. It is also a subtle critique of the societal pressures and expectations imposed on women. Using Catherine's relationships, the film offers commentary on the ways personal relationships can warp an individual's mental state.

The soundtrack by Keegan DeWitt contributes to the haunting environment creating a perfectly unsettling atmosphere and amplifying the sense of desolation and despair. Subtle horror elements incorporated into the narrative further complicate the tale, transforming it into a sophisticated psychological thriller without resorting to traditional horror tropes.

In conclusion, Queen of Earth is a compelling drama on the surface where two friends are dealing with emotional pain while revisiting their past. It's a movie in which both characters' vulnerabilities and their past are skillfully stitched into a deeply intimate tale of female friendship, mental anguish, and emotional alienation. With Perry's excellent direction, an exquisite script, the commendable acting of Moss and Waterston, and a combination of skilled cinematography and soundtrack, Queen of Earth is a contemplative treat for fans of psychological drama. You will be left pondering long after the screen goes dark, absorbed by the emotional rawness of the film.