Residue

Residue is a 2017 horror neo-noir thriller directed by Rusty Nixon and featuring actor James Clayton, Taylor Hickson, and Matt Frewer. The story line and depicting of characters in this film is a paradigm of contemporary horror movies, breaking away from the classic horror tropes and venturing into a realm of psychological terror coupled with supernatural elements.

The story revolves around the protagonist James Clayton, who dons the role of a private investigator named Luke Harding. The plot is set into motion when the private investigator gets hold of an evil book of sinister origination and disturbing powers. The book, often considered as an embodiment of malevolence, works as a catalyst in the narrative, creating a haunting environment throughout the film and venturing into the unexplored horror territories.

Taylor Hickson plays the role of Angelina, Harding's estranged daughter. Her character is that of a rebellious and spirited teenager who is determined and fiercely independent. Hickson's believable performance takes the plot to uncharted territories. Matt Frewer, known for his spectacular performances in other movies, plays the role of Luke's eccentric neighbor Mr. Fairweather.

Luke, in a series of hair-raising events, understands that everything inscribed in the occult book seems to take place in the real world, proving deadly to those around him. He realizes that he is not just reading the book, but the book is reading him — unfolding his darkest fears, unspoken secrets, and deepest anxieties.

In this engrossing tale of horror and unpredictability, Luke finds himself trapped in a fearsome cycle of harrowing events that start affecting everyone around him, including his daughter Angelina. With the book continually revealing Luke's deeply buried internal horrors, Luke needs to protect himself and his loved ones while unraveling the mystery of the book.

Throughout the narrative of the movie, it forces its viewers to embrace the darkness rather than to recoil from it. It makes one contemplate about their fears and confront them rather than running from them, thus, giving a deeper perspective of fear and horror.

The movie blurs the lines between reality and hallucinations, reason and paranoia, making it hard for viewers to distinguish what is real and what is just a figment of imagination. It delves into the protagonist’s psyche - exploring his fears, guilts, and past mistakes – all under the premise of supernatural horror.

With Residue, director Rusty Nixon serves us a perfect amalgamation of mystery, horror, and psychological drama. He masterfully weaves a world riddled with fear, unpredictability, and eeriness, while also delivering nuanced characterization. The plot is not too complicated and offers just enough suspense and mystery to keep the viewers fascinated and intrigued until the end.

Not just this, the cinematography and special effects of the movie also deserve a mention. With its eerie and macabre setting, Residue successfully pulls the viewers into its unsettling world. The film utilizes its visual and audio cues efficiently to build and maintain its haunting atmosphere throughout.

The performances of the cast are also commendable. James Clayton delivers a compelling performance as the distressed investigator, and brilliantly showcases his character's inner conflict and fear. Hickson and Frewer are equally good in their respective roles, adding more depth to their characters and making the story more believable.

In conclusion, Residue's strength lies in its unconventional narrative, the strong performances of the cast, the atmospheric setting, and the tight direction. It skillfully combines elements of noir, thriller, and horror and serves a potent mix of a heart-pounding and tense atmosphere, offering a refreshing and chilling viewing experience for fans of the genre.

Although it may seem like a regular horror thriller on the surface, it goes deep into the human psyche, tackling themes of guilt, regret, and fear making it a thought-provoking film that haunts you long after you have watched it. It's a must-watch for individuals who love horror movies with a psychological twist, and its nerve-racking suspense and mystery will surely keep you on the edge of your seat.