Sister, Sister

'Sister, Sister' is a compelling and atmospheric mystery drama that delves into the complexities of sibling relationships, secrets of the past, and the eeriness of Southern Gothic tradition. Directed by Bill Condon, this film was released in the year 1987 and features an impressive ensemble cast, including Eric Stoltz, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Judith Ivey.

The film takes place in the atmospheric surroundings of New Orleans, with its imposing plantations, shadowy bayous, and moss-draped trees. Judith Ivey and Jennifer Jason Leigh portray sisters Lucy and Charlotte Bonnard, who live in isolation in their family's decaying mansion. This moody setting works as a potent metaphor for the simultaneously close but strained relationship between the two sisters.

Judith Ivey puts forth a striking performance as the older sister, Lucy, functioning as the matron of the Bonnard mansion and protector of her too-fragile younger sister, Charlotte. Jennifer Jason Leigh, on the other hand, delivers an effective performance as the introverted, traumatized Charlotte, also revealing glimpses of the character's seductive and peculiarly alluring qualities.

Enter Matt Rutledge, the mysterious stranger in town, played by the talented Eric Stoltz with aplomb. Matt takes lodging at the mansion, initially attracted by the charm of the Southern way of life. However, it does not take long for him to realize that not everything is as it seems in the Bonnard mansion.

Stoltz's character Matt encapsulates an outsider's perspective of the strange occurrences happening at the Bonnard mansion. His curiosity about the sisters' secretive past propels the narrative forward, creating a tightrope of suspense and intrigue for the audience.

As the movie progresses, he becomes embroiled in the sisters' daunting secrets and in the eeriness shrouding the mansion. He encounters unsettling events and begins to question his hosts' seemingly genteel Southern hospitality. Things seemingly spiral out of control as his stay prolongs in the mansion, weaving a taut narrative that is simultaneously compelling and discomforting.

'Sister, Sister' is not just an exploration of familial bonds. It pulls the narrative thread of Gothic tradition and transforms it into a compelling mystery, revealing the darker side of human relationships and the lengths to which people will go to protect their past and maintain appearances. It's a haunting cinematic tapestry that imparts an air of gothic decadence, highlighted by the picturesque but spectral settings and melodramatic undertones.

Bill Condon's vision perfectly captures the lush and treacherous landscape of the South while echoing the eerie nature of the narrative. He creates a unique movie that manages to be a character study, a Gothic thriller and a captivating mystery all at once. Yet it remains familiar in its theme - the exploration of human relationships and their inherent complexities.

The film also features noteworthy performances from the supporting cast, including Anne Pitoniak as the housekeeper and Benjamin Mouton as the nosy town sheriff. Adding depth to the narrative, the soundtrack by Richard Einhorn fits fluently into the film. His eerie score heightens the feeling of suspense, complementing the tone set by the film's beautiful cinematography.

While it can be classified as a thriller, 'Sister, Sister' presents itself more as a slow-burning drama. The film takes its time to unravel the storyline and the character relationships, building the tension and brooding atmosphere subtly and steadily. This leisurely pace might not fit with the usual thriller genre, but it adds a more significant depth to the characters and the overall atmosphere of the story.

'Sister, Sister' takes the viewer down a labyrinthine rabbit hole of drama, suspense, and mystery, quite contrary to the tranquil and charming exterior of the mansion and the Southern surroundings. The cast's performances are commendable, and the direction and cinematography contribute to the film's overall mystique and allure.

This 1987 movie, 'Sister, Sister,' presents an atmospheric and enticing watch for those who appreciate drama blended with elements of mystery, suspense, and gothic overtones. The film gradually sets the groundwork for the big revelation towards the end, maintaining the suspense consistently and ensuring that the audience remains captivated. Its exploration of sibling relationships, the burden of a distressed past, and societal appearances range a chord that transcends time, making it a watch worthy movie for all mystery-drama enthusiasts.