The Assent

The Assent is a supernaturally infused horror-thriller movie directed by Pearry Reginald Teo. Unveiled in 2019 by Gravitas Ventures, the film showcases anomalously splendid performances from actors Robert Kazinsky, Caden Dragomer, and Peter Jason, among other notable stars.

Robert Kazinsky plays the role of Joel, a single father grappling with the challenges of raising his young son, Mason, played by Caden Dragomer, after the untimely and tragic demise of his wife. On top of the pitiful sorrow of losing his wife, Joel is also struggling with his mental health, specifically schizophrenia. He lives under the constant fear that his son might also inherit his tormenting mental health condition. Bereft of familial and social support, the two individuals lead isolated lives, the walls of their house acting as the only barrier between them and the rest of the world.

The film makes an effective use of dramatic irony. As an audience, we are made aware of Joel's mental state right at the start. However, as the film progresses, the line between Joel's schizophrenia-induced hallucinations and reality begins to blur. Suddenly, ordinary objects like dolls and toys take an eerie and ominous feel, inducing an intense sense of dread and suspense.

Enter Father Lambert, astutely played by Peter Jason, a deeply tortured exorcist wrestling with his demons, both literal and metaphorical. He is currently serving a self-imposed exile after a disastrous event that led to his fall from grace. However, mysterious and unexplainable occurrences draw him towards Joel and Mason.

Through a shared acquaintance, Joel stumbles across Father Lambert. This meeting births a creeping ostensible realization - is Mason a victim of demonic possession or is it merely a figment of Joel's damaged psyche? The movie hinges on this central question, playing a cat-and-mouse game as the characters and audience alike struggle to discover the truth.

Director Pearry Reginald Teo masterfully toys with perception and reality throughout the course of the film. Scenes laden with grotesque imagery and spectral nuances form the core narrative. The color palette is predominantly moody, with heavy emphasis on darker, muted tones, the gloom reflecting the doom that hangs over our troubled characters.

While the primary genre of The Assent is undeniably horror, themes of loss, sorrow, loneliness, and desperation thread the subplots. This elevates the film from being a twisted, goosebumps-inducing horror flick to a poignant tale of reclaiming life from destructive elements.

The cinematography of the film, courtesy of Martim Vian, deserves special mention. The film makes remarkable use of various camera angles. Slow pans and sharp cuts force the audience into the traumatic confusion and terror consuming the characters. The special effects and makeup are equally chilling, serving to amplify the horror with their remarkably realistic depictions.

The Assent's script and narrative style mimic an intricate puzzle. The audience is led through a labyrinth of fear, uncertainty, and dread, all the while trying to piece together the jigsaw of Joel's and Mason's increasingly alarming reality.

Undoubtedly, the strong suit of the film is the remarkable performances of the protagonists. Robert Kazinsky and Caden Dragomer convey fear, desperation, and the raw love of a father and son bond, adding just the right amount of nuance to their characters. Peter Jason, as the fallen priest on a path to redemption, delivers an astounding performance and keeps us invested in the uncanny narrative trajectory.

In conclusion, The Assent, a titular play on the terms 'ascent' and ‘consent’, is a horror movie that leaves you in its thrall. It is an eerie exploration into the dark undercurrents of the human psyche, a rumination on loss, and the debilitating effects of mental illness. Equipped with competent storytelling, arresting visual prowess, and stellar performances, it serves as a potent cocktail of terror and empathy, long after the movie has ended. The film is a must-watch for horror enthusiasts seeking something more than mere jump scares and clichéd tropes.