The Lullaby

The Lullaby, directed by Darrell Roodt, is a South African horror movie released in 2017 that creatively weaves the chills and thrills expected of a frightful narrative with the complexities of human emotions and relationships. The movie features a small but captivating ensemble of performances by Reine Swart, Thandi Puren, and Brandon Auret, who bring the haunting narrative to life.

The narrative revolves around Chloe Van Heerden (portrayed by Reine Swart), a young woman who returns to her small hometown, Eden Rock, after giving birth out of wedlock. Unable to fully accept her newfound motherhood and cope with the pressures it brings, Chloe struggles with severe mood swings and debilitating postpartum depression. This is further exacerbated by stigmatization and judgement from the community due to the controversy around her pregnancy.

However, the plot thickens as what seems to be psychological trauma slowly spirals into a horrifying supernatural ordeal. Amid the emotional turmoil, Chloe begins to hear a sinister lullaby repeatedly. The mysterious lullaby foreshadows a troubling presence that entangles Chloe in a web of frightful experiences.

Chloe's mother, Ruby, played by Thandi Puren, plays a crucial role in the movie, embodying the dual facets of a concerned mother and a hidden antagonist. She takes on an almost overbearing role in Chloe and her new baby's lives. The tension created due to Ruby's intrusive assertiveness and Chloe's struggle for independence adds an extra layer of psychological complexity to the plot.

Brandon Auret takes on the role of Dr. Reed, a psychiatrist who tries to help Chloe unravel the mysteries of her worsening condition. Dr. Reed treads the thin line between skepticism and belief as he delves into Chloe's fears, which fluctuates between mental disorder and supernatural evil.

The Lullaby is far from a conventional horror movie as it is not just about the scares but also about the exploration of Chloe's strained relationships and the emotional toll it takes on her mental stability. The frightful experiences she endures carry a deeply unsettling air of realism due to the backdrop of postpartum depression.

Darrell Roodt successfully blurs the lines between the real and paranormal, creating an increasingly suspenseful atmosphere that keeps the viewers on edge. The movie goes beyond the stereotypical jump-scares of many horror movies; instead, it focuses on creating a lingering sense of dread that stays with the viewers long after the movie ends.

Reine Swart delivers an intense performance as Chloe, demonstrating a nuanced portrayal of a young woman swallowed by the abyss of despair, paranoia, and fear. Her complex internal struggle is evident by her ability to effortlessly oscillate between the states of apathy, desperation, and terror.

Thandi Puren as Ruby offers a commendable performance that explores the complex dynamic of guilt, blame, and protection in mother-daughter relations. Brandon Auret as Dr. Reed brings in a grounded perspective, struggling between his rationality and the unexplainable incidents revolving around Chloe.

The cinematic and aesthetic appeal of The Lullaby also deserves a mention. The movie's strategic utilization of sound, particularly the recurring lullaby, instills an everlasting eerie ambiance throughout the film. The lullaby turns from a symbol of comfort and safety into an embodiment of terror and foreboding.

Furthermore, the movie explores the quiet, rural setting of Eden Rock for its ability to induce a sense of isolation, contributing to the brooding atmosphere. The Lullaby exploits its South African locale to inject local folklore and tales into the narrative, enriching the movie with cultural specifics. Thus, The Lullaby not only engages the audience with its spine-chilling narrative but also subtly introduces them to South African culture.

In conclusion, The Lullaby is a gripping tale that skillfully intertwines psychological drama with the elements of horror. The film takes its audience on a thrilling journey that mirrors Chloe's harrowing exploration into the realm of fear, making it an engaging watch for anyone who appreciates a horror movie layered with human drama.