The Crescent

The Crescent is a riveting 2017 horror drama from the director Seth A. Smith, featuring unforgettable performances from Danika Vandersteen, Woodrow Graves, and Terrance Murray. This disarmingly obscure and ethereal movie weaves a nuanced narrative with psychological intrigue, raising a haunting and atmospheric spectacle that immerses its audience in a stark world tinged with elements of the supernatural. Elements of classic horror are described with impressionist touches, creating an intense atmosphere that focuses on the suspense of what's unseen rather than what's visible.

The plot begins with the young and deeply grieving widow, Beth, exquisitely portrayed by Danika Vandersteen. She retreats to a desolate and remote seaside cottage with her toddler son, Lowen, endearingly played by Woodrow Graves. The home is a stark echo of her past, a place filled with remnants of an idyllic life, now juxtaposed with a pervasive sense of loss and detachment. Vandersteen's portrayal of Beth is convincing and captivating, with her intricate expressions exhibiting the depths of a mother's love, cloaked in fear and uncertainty.

Struggling to cope with her loss and the task of single parenting, Beth artistically channels her despair. As an artist specializing in marbling— an ancient Turkish style of painting on water — she creates surreal and alien patterns on paper and canvas, transforming her quiet solitude into one filled with an eerie aura of creative immersion. This unique form of abstract art becomes a recurring theme in the story, painting a poignant picture of Beth's internal turmoil.

As Beth and Lowen grapple with their new reality, they come across odd beachgoers, disquieting occurrences, and shifting tides both literal and metaphorical. Smith masterfully uses the vast, desolate, and changing seascape as a symbol of Beth's emotional state, the fluctuating tides mirroring her fluctuating fear and apprehension. The mysteries of the unending sea and its ephemeral allure underscore an unsettling parallel to the enigmas simmering in Beth's life.

Lowen, despite his tender age, delivers an affecting performance. His innocence, curiosity, and vulnerability are portrayed with a charm and poignance that render his character an effective focal point in the unfolding narrative.

Terrance Murray plays a mysterious artist, whose ambiguously creepy presence fuels the movie’s complex psychological storyline. The character connects with Beth over a shared appreciation of art, adding to the suspense as viewers are left guessing about his enigmatic persona.

The Crescent succeeds in insinuating an undercurrent of dread without heavy-handed or gratuitous shock tactics, maintaining an ambiguous tension and unseen horror for the audience. Director Smith shapes the movie with an art-house sensibility, infusing every frame with striking visuals, which combine with Simon A. Smith's atmospheric sound design to create a hauntingly beautiful cinematic experience.

The film is heavy on visual metaphor and rich in symbolism, going beyond the conventional in its genre to offer a cerebral, emotionally steeped divergence from standard horror. Yet, it also pays homage to classic horror motifs, ensuring traditional enthusiasts are kept on their toes.

Overall, The Crescent delves into facets of humanity, exploring grief, loss, and the maternal instinct in captivating ways. It probes the corners of our deepest fears, pays tribute to the supernatural, and gives a nod to aesthetic impressionism, resulting in a unique cinematic piece. The film certainly leaves room for interpretation, ensuring that its haunting echoes linger long after the ending credits.

The supernatural elements, the emotional depth of the characters, the hypnagogic nature of the plot, and the touch of expressionistic art make The Crescent a compelling watch, particularly for adventurous horror buffs seeking films that bend the conventions of the genre. This atmospheric, psychological chiller with its meditative yet disquieting elements strikes a perfect balance, making it a must-watch movie.