The Perished

The Perished, a horror film released in the year 2019, is a vivid example of Irish cinema’s venture into the realms of the supernatural and the societal horror genre. Directed by Paddy Murphy, the film features Conor Lambert, Fiach Kunz, and Noelle Clarke amongst the main cast who deliver commendable performances in this chilling tale.

The plot revolves around Sarah Dekker, the main character portrayed by Courtney McKeon. Sarah finds herself abandoned and distanced from friends, family, and society when confronted with an unplanned pregnancy. After choosing pregnancy termination, she grapples with guilt and emotional turmoil, leading her to isolate herself in a familial house tucked away in the Irish wilderness. That's where she uncovers chilling secrets of what happened there in the past and realises that these past occurrences are now vying to manifest themselves in her present.

Conor Lambert, who stars as David Collins, delivers a compelling performance as Sarah’s steadfast confidant and friend who stands by her throughout her arduous journey. His strong character portrayal contributes significantly to the overall narrative, serving as a ray of hope amidst the dark and daunting storyline. Known for his experienced acting style, Conor does an outstanding job of portraying the multi-layered character.

Fiach Kunz is another pivotal character, playing Shane Riley, who is part of Sarah's past. Kunz's character adds another layer of intrigue to the narrative, highlighting the complexities of relationships and the societal stigma attached to unplanned pregnancies. Noelle Clarke who plays Elaine, Sarah’s seemingly heartless mother, does a wonderful job displaying a critical societal view on pregnancy termination and effectively juxtaposes the emotional difficulties that Sarah is experiencing.

Director Paddy Murphy masterfully intertwines elements of physical and psychological horror with societal themes. The societal terror aspect focuses on the condemnation Sarah faces due to her unplanned pregnancy and subsequent termination, showcasing a genuine portrayal of alienation and judgement within conservative societies. Contrasted with this is the bone-chilling supernatural terror that unleashes itself upon Sarah in an isolated house, setting the stage for an uncomfortable tale that crosses the borders of mundane reality and ventures into realms unknown.

The Perished excels in its effective use of settings. The stunning wilderness of Ireland with its harsh weather provides a captivating backdrop for the unfolding horror tale. It mirrors the mental tempest brewing inside Sarah, increasing the impact of her internal conflict. Paired with an eerie, haunting score that brilliantly complements the film's narrative and mood, the movie keeps audiences on the edge of their seat.

The film’s use of story elements and themes to create a sense of horror stands out. Yet, it is not purely about instilling fear. At its core, The Perished is a reflection upon societal norms and restrictions, using the element of horror to throw light upon challenges and issues often brushed under the carpet. Paddy Murphy accomplishes a notable feat about putting forth a narrative that is not only spine-chilling but also thought-provoking, making it a combination of both horror and drama genres.

In conclusion, The Perished is more than your standard horror flick. It is a remarkable film that manages to seamlessly blend the expectations of a horror movie with sensitive societal themes related to unplanned pregnancies and the demonization of women who choose to terminate. Therefore, The Perished offers an engaging cinematic experience for both fans of horror movies and those who appreciate thought-provoking narratives. This movie should be on your list if you appreciate films that push boundaries, fearlessly discuss sensitive topics, and leave you with considerable food for thought.