Sisters Of The Plague

Sisters of the Plague is a 2015 independent horror film directed by Jorge Torres-Torres. The film features a compelling cast that includes Isolde Chae-Lawrence, Josephine Decker, and Eva Dorrepaal. Seamlessly blending elements of horror, drama, and suspense, Sisters of the Plague remains grounded in the supernatural while exploring the complex human emotion and relationships with thoughtful depth.

Set in the mist-clad lanes and captivating eeriness of New Orleans, the film revolves around a haunted tour guide, Jo (Isolde Chae-Lawrence), who is grappling with her father's unexplained death and having unsettling, murky dreams. These dreams start to overlap into her reality, blurring the lines between what's real and what's not. As she seeks answers to her father's murky past, Jo dives deeper into the world of the supernatural, guided by her long-time fascination with the unseen.

Josephine Decker plays Jo's girlfriend Kate, a performance artist who has her own struggles to deal with. Decker's stripped-down portrayal of Kate is one of the film's highlights. She journeys with Jo through her tumultuous emotions and supports her quest for answers, even when it brings Jo closer to the spirit world.

Eva Dorrepaal plays a sensitive and thought-provoking role as Rosa, adding yet another complex layer to the narrative. Her character works as the psychic medium that Jo seeks assistance from, wanting to understand her dreams and her father’s mysterious death better.

The film skillfully creates an atmospheric backdrop that mirrors Jo's growing frustration and despair. Sisters of the Plague also takes a unique approach to the dynamics of a queer relationship, with Jo and Kate's struggles being deeply personal yet universal.

Director Jorge Torres-Torres takes a refreshing, non-linear approach to the storytelling, often providing glimpses of the past and the present in the same frame. The narrative is thought-provoking, forcing the audience to piece together the story themselves as Jo grapples with her fears, doubts, and the increasing manifestations of the supernatural in her life.

The cinematography is noteworthy as it beautifully captures the eerie charm of New Orleans, further enhancing the supernatural elements of the story. The dimly lit streets, the buzzing nightlife, and the haunted houses that Jo tours become integral parts of the storytelling, as much a character as Jo herself.

Moreover, Sisters of the Plague also benefits from the strong performances of its cast. Chae-Lawrence embodies Jo's desperate search for answers and internal turmoil, with her expressive eyes speaking volumes about her inner chaos. Decker breathes life into the role of Kate, effectively balancing compassion and exasperation as she tries to understand Jo’s fixation with the supernatural. Dorrepaal’s confident portrayal of Rosa adds an air of intrigue and mysticism to the narrative.

Despite dabbling in the supernatural, the film never resorts to cheap scares or horror cliches. Instead, it uses the horror elements to drive the narrative and flush out the characters' internal struggles. The uncertainty and fear which fuels Jo's interactions with the spirit world is as much a metaphor for her grappling with her father's death as it is a chilling tale of the supernatural.

Sisters of the Plague explores numerous themes such as grief, loss, self-discovery, and the intertwined relationship between the living and the spirit world. These themes force the audience to question their own perceptions of reality and the unseen world.

In conclusion, Sisters of the Plague is not your typical horror movie. It's a patient, thoughtful exploration of a woman's internal struggle and journey of self-discovery, set against the backdrop of the supernatural. The film challenges traditional narrative structures and pushes the boundaries of the horror genre by focusing on the psychological elements of fear and obsession. With incredible performances and an intriguing storyline, Sisters of the Plague offers an immersive viewing experience for the audiences who admire slow-burning, atmospherically rich supernatural thriller-drama.