The Incident

The Incident, a feature film released in 2011, is an intriguing and suspenseful thriller that masterfully keeps audiences on their toes. Directed by Alexandre Courtes with an impressive cast led by Rupert Evans, Kenny Doughty, and Joseph Kennedy, the film combines elements of horror, suspense, and psychological drama to create a haunting and memorable cinematic experience.

Set in an unpredictable and nerve-wrenching environment of a high-security asylum, the film revolves around the tumultuous lives of three rock band members, George (Rupert Evans), Max (Kenny Doughty), and Ricky (Joseph Kennedy), who are struggling to find their footing in the competitive music industry. However, their lives take an abrupt detour when they find themselves in a rather precarious situation which confronts them with their worst nightmares.

After their evening gig, they decide to moonlight as cooks in an asylum for the criminally insane, due to their precarious financial conditions. The trio seems to have found a temporary respite and an unusual source of income in their new roles inside this high-security asylum. However, as they perform their day-to-day tasks, they become increasingly aware of the disturbing realities of their workplace and the dangerous individuals they share their space with.

As the story unfolds, they become entrapped in a volatile environment teetering on the brink of chaos. As the night proceeds, a critical power cut occurs in the asylum, plunging the place into darkness, releasing its dangerous inhabitants from their cells, transforming the asylum into a daunting maze of terror. The tranquility of their moonlighting scenario abruptly dissolves into a chaotic nightmare, forcing them to face the incarcerated inmates and their harrowing tales. The terrifying circumstances demand them to push their boundaries of sanity, courage, and survival instincts.

The Incident is notable for its high-tension atmosphere, achieved through clever and solid storytelling along with an exceptional performance by the cast. Rupert Evans, known for his performances in Hellboy and The Man in the High Castle, brilliantly portrays his character's gradual transformation from an aspiring musician into a person struggling with fear and uncertainty. Kenny Doughty and Joseph Kennedy equally complement this performance, adding depth and nuance to their characters' haunting journey.

Director Alexandre Courtes, known predominantly for his work in the music video industry, brings his unique visual storytelling prowess to the big screen with The Incident. The precarious atmosphere of the asylum is remarkably depicted through the gloomy and harrowing visual style, evoking an uncanny sense of fear and tension. The use of shadows, the play with light and darkness, and the eerie surroundings of the mental institution add to the chilling effect which keeps the audiences engrossed and at the edge of their seats.

Furthermore, the brooding and intense score, often escalating with the rising tension, enhances the film's suspenseful sequences, making the viewing experience all the more thrilling. The psychological drama keeps getting under your skin as you witness the relentless intensity unleashed by the power cut.

While The Incident is indeed a frightening and relentless horror, it also delves deeper into the psyche of its characters, the nature of fear, the instinct of survival, and the thin line that separates the sane from the insane. The film raises intricate questions about human nature and our perception of sanity, making it a thought-provoking watch.

In conclusion, The Incident is an intense psychological thriller that beautifully combines elements of horror, suspense, and drama. It's a gripping tale of unexpected trials and human survival against severe odds, told through the captivating performances of its lead cast and the director's distinct storytelling. For those who enjoy a chilling and thrilling cinematic experience filled with twists and tension, The Incident is a must-watch.