The Attic

The 2007 psychological thriller, The Attic, is an eerie venture into the realms of the mind, enveloped in a fusion of suspense, intrigue, and horror. Directed by Mary Lambert, renowned for her work on the 1989 cult classic Pet Semetary, The Attic stars Elizabeth Moss in the lead role, cementing her prowess in the genre of psychological thrillers. The cast also includes acclaimed actors Catherine Mary Stewart, John Savage, and Tom Malloy, who each deliver performances that intensify the atmosphere of confinement and fear throughout the film.

The plot revolves around the life of protagonist Emma Callan, played by Elisabeth Moss. Emma and her family move into a distinguished, although seemingly normal house in a small suburban neighborhood. As the family begins to settle in, Emma starts to realize that this house carries a series of bizarre secrets.

Early on in the movie, Emma discovers an attic in the house, one that was previously overlooked by the family. It appears ordinary and innocuous initially, merely serving as an ancient repository where old paraphernalia and odds and ends of the house are stored but things start to take a turn for the notorious from here. Emma starts hearing strange noises. She feels stalked, as if she's being watched by an unseen observer almost constantly.

One day, Emma encounters a mysterious doppelgänger in the attic, a woman who resembles her in an eerily exact manner. This uncanny similarity is just the beginning of the growing suspense that haunts Emma. Her life slowly begins dissolving into paranoia and anxiety. Simultaneously terrifying and confounding, Emma’s encounters with her double become more frequent, escalating her fear and undermining her sanity.

Stewart, Savage, and Malloy form the supporting cast, portraying a spectrum of characters that complement the overarching eeriness of the film. Stewart and Savage play Emma's parents, while Malloy portrays a complex neighbor. While the family seems supportive and understanding, the peculiar happenings in the house strain the familial relationships, adding another layer to the puzzle.

The movie ensures the audience's engagement, keeping them consistently on the edge with plot twists and unanswered questions. The horrific figure in the attic serves as a stellar element of suspense, embodying everything that is cryptic and eerie about the film.

Mary Lambert's exceptional direction of this mystery-filled psychological thriller builds an unnerving atmosphere that performs spectacularly well in keeping the audience glued to their screen. The tight-knit narrative that plays with uncertainty and the unknown offers a pleasing progression for fans of the genre.

The performances in The Attic are captivating. For fans of Moss' performances in other works such as The Handmaid's Tale and Invisible Man, her excellent portrayal of Emma further illustrates her caliber as an actress, evoking empathy in every frame. Stewart and Savage provide strong performances as well, manifesting the characters' underlying tensions effectively.

The film's title, The Attic, resonates with a sense of foreshadowing on its own. It suggests something hidden, unknown; an eerie place filled with secrets and unspoken fears. As the title implies, the attic does indeed play a significant role both as a literal space and as a metaphor.

In terms of cinematography, the ample use of low lighting, along with select instances of overexposure to white, makes for an ethereal visual journey that amplifies the eerie feel of the film.

The Attic is a rich cocktail of psychological horror and suspense. The film is likely to be appreciated by those who relish the thought-provoking unease brought forth by thrillers that blur the boundaries of what is real and what is not. The complexity of human psychology, the compelling performances, and the enigmatic storytelling, all contribute to making this movie a haunting experience. The Attic leaves its viewers with a sense of lingering unease and questions that stay long after the credits roll.