Rabbit

Rabbit is an Australian psychological thriller from 2017 directed by Luke Shanahan and starring Alex Russell, Adelaide Clemens, and Joe Bird. The movie is a compelling blend of mystery and suspense, exploring disturbing, dream-like realities and unseen psychological terrors with an intense narrative.

Rabbit opens with medical student Maive (Adelaide Clemens) who, after a traumatic event, gets haunted by the unsolved disappearance of her identical twin sister Cleo. Maive suffers from agonizing nightmares filled with horrific symbols and eerie visuals, in which she watches her absent twin suffer a terrifying fate. She is convinced that these dreams have a deeper meaning and may lead her to her missing sister.

In her desperate quest, Maive returns to her family home in Adelaide's wine region of South Australia. Plagued by guilt and a desire to reconnect with her deeply missed sibling, she retraces Cleo’s mysterious disappearance. Alex Russell plays Maive's boyfriend Ralph, who, in fear for Maive's mental state, tentatively supports her decision to delve deeper into these nightmares in an attempt to solve the mystery.

Joe Bird plays Henry, an individual deeply connected to Maive's past who provides a pivotal role in the unraveling plot. He owns an isolated cult-like commune surrounded by an ominous vineyard, laying some of the sinister foundations for the grim uncertainty that is to come.

Rabbit is an unforgettable exploration into the darker aspects of the human psyche. Its chilling atmosphere is exemplified through skillful cinematography with a color palette dominated by cold blue and green undertones, often complemented by the desolated yet moody landscapes of South Australia infused with an eerie quietness. The movie’s unsettling score underscores each scene, contributing to the feeling of constant unease.

Adelaide Clemens’ performance in the movie is captivating. She carries the plot forward, allowing audiences to experience every bit of her tortured psyche. Her portrayal of Maive’s driven determination mixed with an underlying vulnerability makes for an intriguing character study. Alex Russell's performance is just as strong; his character's deteriorating trust and growing fear are palpable, adding yet another layer to this gripping narrative.

The film doesn’t shy away from its psychological horror label; instead, it fully embraces it. The director, Luke Shanahan, tantalizingly uses the concept of dreams to reveal hints about the narrative and successful misleads viewers multiple times in the course of the intricate storyline. His vision of the movie parallels an unsettling nightmare that won't let you wake up, but instead, draws you deeper into its grasp.

In a nutshell, Rabbit is a psychological journey that pushes boundaries using an engaging and layered storyline, supported by compelling character performances, and wrapped in aesthetically pleasing yet fear-inducing visuals. The movie questions societal norms and explores the ideas of identity, disappearance, and the unbreakable bond of twins in a chilling and surreal manner.

Rabbit may not be for everyone, given its intense psychological focus and often disturbing imagery. However, for those intrigued by stories that challenge the limits of reality and lure you into a maze of psychological twists, this movie is a haunting, captivating ride.