Rattlesnake

Rattlesnake is a 2019 American psychological horror-themed movie, directed and written by Zak Hilditch and produced by Ross M. Dinerstein. The film features amazing performances from Carmen Ejogo, Theo Rossi, and Emma Greenwell. Released by Netflix, this electrifying thriller is infused with supernatural elements that keep viewers on edge while exploring the profound bond between a mother and her child, tested under extreme circumstances. The film uses the metaphor of a nemesis as insidious as a rattlesnake, with the terror of its bite lurking in the shadows, and the resulting desperation which unleashes a moral reckoning.

The story takes off at full throttle, centered around Katrina Ridgeway (Carmen Ejogo), a single mother traveling across the country with her daughter, Clara (Apollonia Pratt). Their seemingly straightforward journey takes a terrifying and unexpected detour when fate leads them into the desolate landscapes of Texas. A simple pit-stop spirals into a nightmare when Clara gets bitten by a venomous rattlesnake. Desperate and isolated in the desert, Katrina finds help from a mysterious stranger. This is where reality and the supernatural become entangled and where the movie gets its title, Rattlesnake.

Carmen Ejogo delivers a gripping performance, embodying the desperation and resolve of a mother whose child's life is hanging by a thread. The emotional depth and intensity of her role resonate tremendously throughout the entire film. She goes to extreme lengths to save her daughter's life, and in grappling with her moral compass, she finds herself in a predicament that tests her in ways she couldn’t have imagined. Theo Rossi and Emma Greenwell offer solid supporting roles, further enhancing the narrative and adding depth to the plot's creepiness.

One of the movie's great assets is its atmospheric settings, from desolate desert stretches to shadowy interiors that heighten the overall suspense. Rattlesnake effectively blends elements of suspense and horror into a supernatural thriller while subtly threading an underlying theme of a mother's unyielding love for her child. But this movie isn't just a horror flick at its core; it presents a moral chess game, pushing its characters into the realm of existential introspection, and leaving the audience mulling over their respective choices.

Director Zak Hilditch, known for employing suspenseful storylines and eeriness in his previous works, meticulously uses those elements to build layers to the film. His vision is expertly brought to life by Ben Richardson's brilliant cinematography, Matthew M. Novack's eerie compositions, and a stellar cast whose performances add depth to the human drama. Hilditch uses a mix of mysterious elements coupled with real-life dilemmas and the inner turmoil often associated with making life-changing decisions to orchestrate a chilling narrative.

Despite being essentially a horror film, Rattlesnake explores deeper themes such as the extent a person might go to save someone they love; how far is too far and at what cost. It delves into a world where supernatural events intertwine with the fragility of human life, and the terrifying outcomes of desperate attempts at survival. It is this potent blend of genres that sets Rattlesnake apart.

In conclusion, Rattlesnake delves into deep and dark territories, daringly merging elements of horror and suspense in a supernatural thriller with a twist. Its theme of maternal love, sacrifice, and moral ambiguity add poignant layers beneath the apparent terror. Rattlesnake is not simply another horror film but a chilling psycho-thriller that encourages viewers to question their own boundaries around morality and personal sacrifices in the face of life-threatening danger. The film's profound narrative, commendable performances, atmospheric tones, and complex character developments make it a must-watch for fans of the genre.