The School

Set in the framework of a gothic thriller, "The School" provides its audience with a healthy dosage of visceral horror, anxiety-inspiring suspense, and emotionally wrought drama. Understandably released during the heart of 2018's thriller-loving summer, this Australian horror film, featuring Megan Drury, Will McDonald, and Jack Ruwald delivers an intriguing coming-of-age narrative fused with dark, supernatural elements.

The School revolves around medical practitioner Dr. Amy Wintercliffe portrayed by Megan Drury. Grounded in her world of reality, Amy grapples with personal turmoil as she attempts to rescue her son, David, played by Will McDonald, who has been in a coma for quite some time. As a determined mother, she mindfully values logic and scientific rectitude, yet ends up being drawn into an inexplicable psychological labyrinth.

Amy’s journey into this nightmarish realm, an eerie, dilapidated school inhabited by lost souls, forms the crux of the movie. This supernatural environment, an intersection of the real world and the beyond, captivates the audience with its unnerving and dreadful mystery. It is a haunting establishment that is home to various inhabitants, including a sinister boy named Zac, played by Jack Ruwald.

Ruwald’s depiction of Zac manages to straddle the line between innocence and malevolence, presenting a character who is as intriguing as he is terrifying. Zac is the leader of a group of lost children, who are trapped in the ethereal school. They engage in a macabre survival lifestyle reminiscent of "Lord of the Flies," exhibiting a disturbing lack of humane connections.

In her quest to unravel the unworldly mystery and save her son, Amy traverses through the haunted, labyrinthine corridors of the school. As the reality blurs, Amy must grapple with the grim circumstances and grotesque inhabitants of this world, teetering between survival and madness. This chilling narrative is accompanied by aspects of motherhood, love, and a deep-seated maternal instinct that provides a softer undercurrent to the otherwise foreboding plotline.

Megan Drury's performance as Amy is commendable as she immerses herself well into the tormented and devastated character. Her portrayal demands the audience's empathy and emotional engagement as she confronts her worst fears in this unknown world. In contrast, Will McDonald, tasked with depicting a character trapped in an indeterminate state between life and death, delivers a performance with a remarkable depth that skillfully communicates his character's predicament.

The School thrives in atmospherics. Apart from a well-written script and compelling performances, director Storm Ashwood draws upon strongly stylized visuals and sound to build a sinister and gloomy ambience. Ashwood's strength as a filmmaker lies in his excellent usage of surroundings as an integral part of the narrative, turning objects and spaces into symbols known for their insidious potential.

Each corner of the impressive set, shrouded in an aura of dread, becomes a character itself, enhancing the narrative with a more profound impact. The landscapes and settings, presented through elegant cinematography, add an additional layer to the suspense that permeates the film. The effective use of lighting and shadows amplifies the intensity of each scene and crafts a subtly unsettling atmosphere.

Simultaneously nerve-wracking and thought-provoking, The School masterfully employs psychological terror with an emotionally laden narrative. It plays with common fears and anxieties, utilizing its supernatural setting to explore the darker corners of the human psyche. This nod towards older, more cerebral horror makes it a unique offering in the horror genre and moves it away from the reliance on cheap scare tactics.

The School is not a mere haunted house spectacle. It transcends the raw horror genre, tactfully incorporating elements of the psychological drama and aspects of deep-seated fears and instincts. It intertwines a highly emotional narrative featuring a desperate mother, her comatose son, and a frightful journey of survival in the underworld, making it a remarkable blend of thriller, drama, and supernatural horror.

For those who appreciate horror-thrillers laden with deep-seated psychological elements and enjoy narratives fueled by atmospheric tension, The School by Storm Ashwood is a must-watch. With great performances, captivating imagery, and a unique storyline that makes you ponder, it surely deserves a deserving place in the 2018 roster of notable horror films.