The Automatic Hate

The Automatic Hate is a gripping psychological drama that was released in 2015. The film leverages an ensemble cast led by Joseph Cross, Deborah Ann Woll, and Travis Quentin Young, who all deliver stunning performances under the guidance of director Justin Lerner. Lerner, who also co-wrote the film with Katharine O'Brien, skillfully explores complex themes of forbidden love, dark family secrets, and the complexity of human nature, wrapped in a narrative that is as layered as it is engrossing.

The phenomenal performance of Joseph Cross as Davis Green forms the nucleus of the story. Davis is a Boston-based Chef, whose comfortably structured life turns upside down when he encounters a mysterious woman named Alexis, played with an enigmatic charm by Adelaide Clemens. Alexis claims to be his cousin, revealing an entire branch of Davis's family tree that he never knew existed. Baffled by a veil of secrecy that his father had drawn around their family history, Davis is caught in the lure of unraveling it.

Deborah Ann Woll infuses the screen with her compelling portrayal of Cassie, Davis's girlfriend. While stoically grounded, Cassie seems to be the voice of reason amidst the whirlwind of unsettled emotions that Davis experiences. Her relationship with Davis deepens the exploration of interpersonal dynamics and adds further intricacy to this intriguing tale.

The Automatic Hate unfolds against the backdrop of a rural New York setting, where Davis finds himself pulled towards. As he ventures deeper into his father’s past, he confronts the reality of a long-estranged family, which has its root in a painful legacy of sibling rivalry and dark hidden truths. The story nudges the viewers to question the very definition of morality, ethics, and the extremes one can go in seeking their true identity.

Travis Quentin Young adroitly portrays Joshua, Davis's alleged cousin, whose enigmatic presence adds another layer of intrigue to the story. Joshua is a complex character - irreverent, volatile, and harboring his resentments just beneath the surface. His complex relationship with Davis adds significant tension to the narrative, leaving the audience on edge with anticipation.

The film also features Richard Schiff and Ricky Jay in key supporting roles, who bring a wealth of talent and depth to the entire setup. Their characters work as a fascinating counterpoint to the younger cast members, further amplifying the intrinsic complexity of the narrative.

The Automatic Hate is laced with powerful performances that bring out an exceptional study of character dynamics. The cinematography encapsulates an atmospheric, almost haunting aura that matches the narrative’s intensity perfectly. Ryan Beveridge’s spellbinding score remarkably amplifies this tense atmosphere, making the film a visual and auditory treat.

The director, Justin Lerner, takes a masterful approach to this family drama, with a unique blend of mystery and psychological suspense. Rather than over-explaining the plot, he allows audiences to stitch together a coherent narrative, thereby creating an engaging viewer experience. The screenplay offers a richly layered exploration of human complexities and the inherent conflict of longing versus loyalty.

The Automatic Hate is about difficult conversations, uncharted familial territories, and fear of what secrets might be unveiled. It makes subtle remarks on the human tendency to view the world in binaries - of good and evil, love and hate, and right and wrong. Yet, it persistently reminds us how these boundaries blur when one encounters life’s gray areas.

In a nutshell, The Automatic Hate is a thought-provoking film for those who enjoy character-driven narratives with intricate emotions, dramatic tension and an underlying layer of mystery. It skillfully joins the puzzle pieces of a fragmented family portrait, revealing a picture that shocks, surprises, and makes one ponder long after the credits roll. Whether these automatic emotions are hate or love is left to the viewer's interpretation as they dive headfirst into this deep exploration of secrets, familial bonds, and the human psyche.