The Second

The Second is a gripping Australian psychological thriller released in 2018, directed by Mairi Cameron and co-produced by Leanne Tonkes and Stephen Lance. The movie stars acclaimed actors Rachael Blake, Susie Porter, and Vince Colosimo, bringing their talents together to create a highly suspenseful and thought-provoking narrative that explores the depths of human relationships, memories, and secrets.

The Second follows the life of a celebrated yet unprolific author, played by Rachael Blake, who is struggling to birth her second novel after a critically acclaimed debut book. Her character, only known as "The Writer," is nuanced and intricate, wrestling with an internal emotional war that perturbs her as she attempts to pen her next masterpiece. The essence of the character gets delicately framed within Rachel's portrayals, showcasing her adeptness at exploring characters with deep, multifaceted dimensions.

In her bid to complete her second novel, she invites her longtime friend and publisher, portrayed authentically by Susie Porter. Porter brilliantly navigates the complexities of her role as a woman tethered between friendship and business. Porter's character, only referred to as "The Publisher," mirrors the Writer's sophistication and enigma, blended with a distinct layer of competitiveness.

As the story progresses, the Writer and the Publisher retreat to a luxurious yet secluded estate that the Writer's parents own in the countryside. In this labyrinth of memories and experiences, the Writer seeks to unearth inspiration for her anticipated second novel. The setting acts as a character in itself, hinting at inner demons, buried truths, and past ghosts that gradually come out to play, ratcheting up the tension and mystery of the unfolding plot.

The entry of a man from their past, played by Vince Colosimo, alters the dynamics of their stay. Colosimo's portrayal of "The Muse" fuses charm and mystery, creating an enigmatic character whose presence disrupts the status quo and introduces an element of uncertainty and jeopardy. His arrival stirs up old memories decanting ripples of tension, jealousy, and long-held secrets, causing an array of emotional convolutions that enrich the plot's texture.

The Second is an intense exploration of female friendship and rivalry, intertwined with layers of mystery, deceit, and lust. The narrative cleverly unfolds in a way that plays with viewers' perceptions and assumptions, constantly maintaining an atmospheric tension that keeps viewers glued till the final scene. The movie weaves together a rich, psychological narrative that blurs the line between past and present, the real and the imaginary, trapping the viewer into the intricate web of stories within stories.

Director Mairi Cameron's deft direction ramps up the film's intensity, punctuated by an eerie score and stark cinematography that echoes the characters' internal torment. Also, the film makes a note-worthy attempt at exploring the act of storytelling itself, delving deep into what it means to be a writer and the lengths one might go to create a compelling narrative.

Though appearing as a psychological thriller, The Second is as much a meditation on identity, authenticity, and the nature of creation. It wrestles with themes of desire, female competition, the pettiness and superficiality of the publishing world, and the price one might pay for success.

Overall, The Second is a potent cinematic offering that artfully marries elements of suspense, metaphysics, and aesthetics to deliver a compelling piece of art-house cinema. The sturdy performances from a small yet powerful cast, a tightly-wound plot, and the backdrop of an eerie countryside mansion come together to make an exceptional, conversation-stirring thriller film. The Second offers a captivating cinematic experience that leaves the viewer contemplating long after the credits have rolled.