Subject Two

Subject Two is a 2006 science fiction horror film that brings the mythology of Frankenstein’s monster into the modern era. Directed by Philip Chidel, the film stars Christian Oliver, Dean Stapleton, and Courtney Mace and gracefully combines elements of the thriller, horror, and dramatic genres to weave together a compelling and unique narrative.

In the film, Christian Oliver gives a powerful performance, echoing the aura of isolation and desperation in his portrayal of Adam Schmidt, a med school dropout who is desperate for success, desperate enough to willingly engage himself in mysterious medical experiments. The story is entirely set against the mercilessly beautiful and icy backdrop of a remote mountain snowscape, a location that visually mirrors the cold and ruthless characters and their chilling actions.

At the center of Subject Two is a story of relentless pursuit for unimaginable power, pushing the boundaries of medical science beyond ethical and moral considerations. Dean Stapleton plays the aptly named Dr. Franklin Vick, a mysterious recluse sequestered in an elusive mountain cabin with a gruesome secret. The doctor found the key to resurrection, a serum that can bring back the dead, but his inability to correctly adjust the dosage of the serum results in his creations maintaining a semblance of life through constant resurrection, but also suffering from eternal torment.

Courtney Mace adds another layer of intrigue, performing as the only other main character. Despite the sparse cast, the performances are enough to hold the audience captive and the three create a unique dynamic, producing a sense of unease, mystery, and discovery that propels the story forward.

Subject Two is a thought-provoking film that challenges conventional notions on the values of life and death. The film reimagines the classic man vs. self struggle while adding a horrific twist. As the experiments and resurrections continually occur throughout the film, Oliver's character, Adam, deals with the physical and mental ramifications of the repetitive cycle of life and death. This film thereby examines complex themes related to identity, humanity, medical ethics, and the desperation that can drive individuals to make unimaginable choices.

As the experiments become increasingly risky and the line between living and dying begins to blur, the film escalates into a psychological horror. The complexities of the characters, particularly their motivations and fears, bring depth to this horrifying scenario while also posing challenging philosophical and ethical questions about existence and mortality.

The film’s production resonates its subjects' chilling aura with its cinematic techniques. The director and his team skillfully create a visual representation of the narrative's struggle with mortality through the powerful use of setting contrasted with close, intrusive shots during the experiments. The crisp white landscape juxtaposes the dark truth lurking inside the cabin, enhancing the thrilling horror elements. The subtle, carefully planned elements of cinematography add much to the suspense factor of the film.

In keeping with its brand of psychological horror, Subject Two is not your typical gory horror film. It relies on this battle of the conscious mind, stoking fear through uncertainty, desperation, and suffering thus promoting it to a cerebral thriller. Despite its scientific jargon and complex underlying themes, the film remains accessible for its audience. It never drowns you in overly complicated details but maintains its essence of a relatable human story against the background of medical experiment horror.

The movie incorporates its horror elements subtly and gradually. It lets the terror creep up on the audience almost as slowly as it does on Adam, allowing viewers to experience, not just witness the horror unfold. This patient approach guards against the predictable, jump-scare horror we see in many films, making the fright element in Subject Two existentially terrifying.

In conclusion, Subject Two is not just a horror movie but a film that deals with themes of scientific morality, identity, and the definition of life and death. Its understated yet impressive elements make it a genre-bending narrative that blurs the lines between horror, psychological thriller, and drama. Whether you're a fan of a different brand of horror or looking for a film to start a philosophical debate, Subject Two will sure leave you pondering long after the credits roll.