The Monitor

The movie, The Monitor (also known as Babycall), is an intense psychological thriller that was released in 2011. Directed and written by Pål Sletaune, it stars Noomi Rapace, Kristoffer Joner, and Vetle Qvenild Werring, among others. The film is set in Norway and was shot primarily in Oslo. It's in Norwegian language with English subtitles.

The narrative centers on Anna (Noomi Rapace), a single mother who's moved with her eight-year-old son, Anders (Vetle Qvenild Werring), into a secretive apartment complex. The film begins amidst harrowing circumstances, establishing early on that Anna is in hiding from her abusive ex-husband. But the movie becomes more than just a conventional thriller; it harmlessly travels into the realm of psychological horror, drip-feeding the audience with unsettling information about Anna's past, present, and deteriorating mental state.

Rapace, best known for her role in the original Swedish series of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, gives an intense performance as Anna. She's a complex character who carries the weight of the world on her shoulders yet displays the heart of a lioness while protecting her son. Anna's anxiety and paranoia are palpable throughout the movie – a testament to Rapace's excellent portrayal of the character.

In order to protect her son, Anna buys a baby monitor, hoping to keep a vigilant eye (and ear) on Anders while he sleeps in the next room. And this is where the film takes a dark turn. Anna starts to hear mysterious, chilling noises through the monitor. She becomes convinced that the threat isn't just real, but also extremely dangerous – not only to her son but also herself.

Kristoffer Joner plays Helge, a kindly store clerk who is drawn to Anna after selling her the baby monitor. He becomes a supportive friend, willing to protect her and Anders whilst being thrown into her mysterious world. Joner adds layers to his role, creating a warm character that provides some comfort in this otherwise chilling narrative.

As the movie progresses, it brilliantly blurs the lines between reality and illusion. What is truth and what's the product of a paranoid, worn-out mind becomes a recurring theme throughout. The movie also doesn't shy away from revealing the depth of Anna's trauma. Scenes of mundane everyday life suddenly slip into moments of terror, keeping the viewer on the edge of their seat.

The Monitor is an impressive entry into the psychological horror genre, adding elements of domestic horror to the mix. Balancing mystery, suspense, and nerve-wracking tension effectively, this film provides a deeply unsettling exploration of trauma and paranoia. The film's enigmatic ending leaves viewers questioning the nature of their own perceptions, as they are thrust into Anna’s psyche throughout the movie.

The cinematography by John Andreas Andersen elegantly complements the mood of the film. Whether it's capturing the gloomy aesthetics of the apartment or the hauntingly symbolic teddy bears in Anders’ room, the visuals leave a lingering impact on the audience and add layers to the storytelling.

In sum, The Monitor is a remarkably tense film with layers of psychological horror and domestic unrest. It benefits from an intense performance from its lead actress, Noomi Rapace, and a tense screenplay that continually keeps audiences guessing till the end. The Monitor takes viewers on a chilling, unexpected path that leads to a completely unpredictable and unsettling reveal. The movie does not aim at cheap jump-scares, but rather, it leaves a deep, unsettling feeling which only amplifies its horror.

Overall, with compelling performances, thoughtful storytelling, and an uneasy atmosphere, The Monitor serves as an eerie yet enthralling exploration of a mother's worst fears, paranoia, and mental instability. It's a movie that doesn't just scare you but makes you think long after the credits roll. It's bleak, it's intense, and it's profoundly disturbing - making it a memorable entry in the psychological horror genre.