Shelley

Shelley is an unnerving psychological horror movie, defying conventional borders and welcoming viewers into a gloomy and unsettling universe. Released in 2016, it starred talents such as Ellen Dorrit Petersen, Cosmina Stratan, and Peter Christoffersen. The movie is directed by Ali Abbasi and written by Ali Abbasi and Maren Louise Käehne. Crafted with a dauntingly slow pace and deep character studies, it is a must-watch for fans of atmospheric horror.

The movie centres around Louise (Ellen Dorrit Petersen) and Kasper (Peter Christoffersen), a Danish couple who live in isolation in a forest away from modern comforts. Louise is unable to bear children due to a hysterectomy, and they crave the joy a child can bring. In comes Elena (Cosmina Stratan), a Romanian maid who takes up employment at their remote lake house, and forms a subplot of economic migration that is subtly weaved into the story. Elderly couple Louise and Kasper presents an irresistible offer to Elena, to become a surrogate mother for their baby in exchange for a large sum of money which she hopes to use to secure a better future for herself and her own son.

The remote lakeside house effectively encapsulates the mood of the story, an unsettling calmness which is beautifully shot using a combination of natural and artificial light. The movie's cinematography does wonders in presenting the progressively eerie environment. Haunted by a constant sense of unease, the characters, too, start to unravel, slowly but not necessarily predictably.

Rather than relying on gore or cheap jump scares, Shelley uses a subtle and creeping psychological suspense that keeps you invested in the story, making the viewers feel as though they're eavesdropping into this mysterious and intensely private world of these characters. The dialogue is sparse, conserving words for moments of emotional intensity while allowing the scenery and the cast's skillful performances to communicate much of the narrative.

Louise and Kasper come across as a couple riddled with contradiction - they reject society and its modern conveniences, subscribing instead to simple living close to nature, yet they are desperate to have a child, resorting to medically intrusive methods. This paradox forms the thematic spine of the film, exploring the dichotomy between nature and nurturing and the upheaval triggered when the natural order of things is challenged.

The transformation of Elena’s character, excellently portrayed by Cosmina Stratan, from a naïve and hopeful young woman to a terrified and confused victim, is one of the central elements that drive the narrative. While focused on the changes in her body caused by the pregnancy, the film also explores the profound psychological impact that being a surrogate mother has on Elena, navigating issues of attachment, sacrifice, and the brewing tension that is inherent in her role.

Alongside Cosmina Stratan’s incredible performance, Ellen Petersen also delivers a strong character with precise subtlety. As Louise, she perfectly encapsulates the desperation of a woman who desires to become a mother, preserving the stoicism and strength required for the significant role she has set upon Elena.

Peter Christoffersen's portrayal of Kasper provides the perfect foil for the two women. He embodies the ultimate symbol of pacifism, becoming almost an outsider as the gripping arc between Louise and Elena's characters unfolds.

Not a conventional horror movie in any sense, Shelley delves deep into the primal fears surrounding birth, maternity and the limits of nature. Unnerving and unpredictable, it taps into something deeply human and yet eerily disturbing, making it an enrapturing watch. Though its pacing may be slow compared to typical horror flicks, its intelligent storytelling and the cast’s tremendous performance will keep you on edge until its chilling end.

Shelley provides a refreshing perspective to the horror genre, blending elements of psychological terror, body horror, and domestic drama in a unique and deeply unsettling fashion. It places the viewer in a world where the commonplace becomes ominous, invoking a chilling atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll. With its eerie ambiance and remarkable performances, Shelley is an exploration of human desperation, the cataclysmic drive of motherhood, and the unnerving terror that unfolds when nature is distorted.