The Owners

The Owners, directed by Julius Berg and starring Maisie Williams, Sylvester McCoy, and Rita Tushingham, is a 2020 suspenseful horror-thriller film that seizes your attention from start to finish. The narrative is suffused with tentative expectations, suspenseful chills, and unexpected plot twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The cinematic storytelling style and the exceptionally talented cast make it a must-watch, especially for fans of the horror-thriller genre.

The movie revolves around the young and rebellious Mary, played by the talented and resolute Maisie Williams, best known for her highly-acclaimed role in Game of Thrones. Switching from her feisty warrior identity of Arya Stark to the scared yet defiant protagonist in The Owners, Williams proves once again that she's a powerful performer across varied roles.

Featuring alongside Maisie is Sylvester McCoy, playing the seemingly innocuous elderly doctor, and Rita Tushingham, the gentle yet enigmatic housekeeper. McCoy and Tushingham, two legendary British actors, lend depth to the narrative with their nuanced performances and complex character arcs. Their characters, pinned in the eye of a storm, exhibit an exceptional grasp of subtlety and danger that is necessary in a psychological thriller. Their performances play a major role in the dramatic ups and downs and mounting tension of the film.

Set in the rural landscapes of 1990s England, the plot unfolds when Mary and a group of friends decide to rob a secluded manor belonging to an elderly couple, unaware of the string of harrowing and sinister events about to unfold. As the narrative treads deeper into the storyline, the grim and murky aesthetics of the setting effectively contribute to the tense and alarming atmosphere of the movie. The rural backdrop complements the gothic horror theme of the movie and instills an unsettling sense of claustrophobia and impending doom.

The movie is adapted from the graphic novel "Une nuit de pleine lune" by Hermann and Yves H., and maintains a graphic novel-like feel with its emphasis on visual storytelling. The story's progression is aided by effective camerawork as well as evocative usage of light and shadow. Director Julius Berg, who previously worked on French crime drama series La forêt, uses his storytelling prowess to create an eerie atmosphere that heightens the thriller’s intrigue.

The Owners straddles the line between horror and psychological thriller with its disturbing narrative and surprises at every turn. Throughout the film, viewers are led down a path of suspense and scare, wrestling with feelings of dread and unease. The movie showcases an escalating cat-and-mouse game, further intensified by excellent performances and the unsettling tone that remains consistent throughout.

Despite its pervasive elements of horror, the film isn’t bereft of emotional depth. Through strong character development and a well-orchestrated plot, the movie explores themes of fear, desperation, survival, and the primal instincts that emerge when human beings are pushed to their limits. The emotions of the characters are palpable, making the harrowing narrative immersive for viewers.

Technically, The Owners, exemplifies a masterclass in sound design. The soundtrack weaves itself flawlessly into the narrative, with the eerily suspenseful music amplifying the chill running down your spine. The cinematography is laudable and complements the ambiance of the movie very well. The involvement of every technical department, right from art direction to costumes, has undoubtedly contributed to the film's overall appeal.

Improvising upon the traditional home invasion trope, The Owners introduces viewers to an intricate and intriguing world where nothing is as it seems and where every character has more layers than visible at first glance. The film stays true to the cannon of its genre while still leaving room for surprise, suspense, and a deepening sense of dread.

In conclusion, The Owners is an engaging psychological horror-thriller that skilfully utilizes its setting, characters, and plot to create a substantial impact. For fans of the genre, it is a movie that delivers a unique viewing experience – a chilling blend of suspense, fear, and surprise.