The Unspoken

The Unspoken is a 2015 Canadian Thriller/Horror, directed by Sheldon Wilson and features notable performances by Jodelle Ferland, Sunny Suljic, and Pascale Hutton. This eerie and suspenseful film adeptly blends elements of supernatural and psychological terror to create an intense, spine-chilling atmosphere that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

The plot revolves around a small town in the Pacific Northwest, initially introducing the audience to a traumatic incident that occurred seventeen years prior. This prelude sets the stage for the main narrative, leaving an ominous trail of unanswered questions. The mystery deepens when we learn about a family who abruptly disappeared from a secluded house, leaving no trace behind, resulting in the property being stigmatized as haunted. The chilling tales surrounding this house cause the local residents to give the place a wide berth, adding an undercurrent of tension that is palpable.

Years later, the story zeroes in on Angela (played by Jodelle Ferland), a young woman struggling with personal hardships who is desperate for a job. Putting her fear aside, she accepts a position as a caregiver for a mute boy named Adrian (portrayed by Sunny Suljic) at the dreaded house. Angela’s anxiety is barely kept at bay with her innate sympathy for Adrian, who is equally, if not more, terrified of their shared surroundings.

Pascale Hutton delivers a memorable performance as Jeanie, Adrian’s mother, whose disturbed demeanor further adds to the grim ambience of the film. Jeanie's deep bond with Adrian and her protective instincts towards him allow her character to possess a substantial emotional depth. Meanwhile, Ferland masterfully conveys the tension of being in an unsettling and ominous environment, yet trying to remain comforting for the sake of the child under her care.

Throughout the movie, the audience is treated to steady thrills, expertly rendered jump scares, and a harrowing build-up of suspense. A distinctive feature of the storyline is how the past and present intertwine, converging ominously towards the climax. As Angela spends more time in the house, strange occurrences begin to make her question her sanity. Apparitions, unexplained noises, and an overall feeling of being watched raises the stakes of her job to immeasurable heights. These instances of supernatural disturbances skillfully weave a sense of dread into the narrative, effectively terrifying the audience and Angela alike.

Furthermore, several plot twists and unexpected revelations make the storyline even more engaging, propelling the film beyond generic horror territory. It adds a layer of psychological terror that complements the supernatural elements effectively. Sheldon Wilson employs the use of eerie settings, ominous lighting, intense close-ups, and quick cuts to maintain the creepy atmosphere and keep the audience invested.

The Unspoken puts a fresh spin on the familiar haunted house genre, although steering clear of tedious horror movie clichés. Instead, Wilson uses the eerie calm of the deserted house and the chilling isolation of the small town as subtle elements of terror. The narrative is an unsettling blend of mystery, childhood trauma, and ghostly manifestations which together provide a thrill ride of fear.

The characterization of the main cast is notable. Jodelle Ferland is convincing as a woman under severe emotional duress in an unfamiliar and frightening environment, retaining an empathetic connection to Adrian amidst the terrifying occurrences. Sunny Suljic performs admirably as well, his role as a mute child only heightening the sense of dread and helplessness towards the inexplicable events happening around him.

All these elements come together to make The Unspoken a gripping supernatural thriller with spooky atmospheric touches. Fans of the horror genre will embrace the movie for its chilling plot and build-up of suspense, along with layered performances that deepen the mysterious narrative.

In conclusion, The Unspoken delivers a roller-coaster ride of suspense, horror, and unexpected plot twists that will keep audiences guessing till the end. While its primary strength lies in its thrilling plot and gifted performances, the movie also shines through its adept direction, effectively steering the narrative towards its chilling climax. If you appreciate atmospheric horror films with the right blend of a ghoulish setting, compelling storyline, and remarkable performances, The Unspoken should be on your watch list.