The Visitant

Visitant is a chilling horror-drama film directed by Jon Binkowski and written by Stephen DeWoody. Released in 2012, the movie brings back the classical style of horror thriller movies by utterly capitalizing on basic human fears and aspects of the unseen world. It aims at amplifying the fear of the unexpected and invisible in the viewer.

The film's storyline revolves around Samantha, who is a middle-aged woman leading an otherwise ordinary life. Samantha, portrayed by Michele Simms, is an interesting character who has lost essence and color in her daily life, living with a seemingly mundane and monotonous routine. Her simple life takes a drastic turn when she becomes an unwilling receiver of paranormal activities. The core segment of the movie chronicles her unnerving experiences and attempts to survive the terrifying occurrences in her house. However, as a smart and resolute woman, Samantha refuses to be a hapless victim and decides to fight back what's terrorizing her.

The movie Visitant provides the horror genre with a fresh breath of air by introducing unexpected elements. The director Jon Binkowski's brilliant storytelling skills are evident through engaging and meticulously planned suspense-filled scenes. Instead of focusing on gore, Binkowski uses clever psychological horror strategies, combining them with spooky atmospheric effects to create a narrative that hovers between the real and the preternatural.

The lead actress, Michele Simms, gives a standout performance, portraying a woman who is slowly pushed to her limits by the unseen, yet frightful entities. The movie also stars Patty Bender and Chris McKeever in major roles, each delivering performances that contribute to building up the eerie ambiance.

Rather than relying on unnecessary jump scares and special effects, the movie's strength lies in its ability to portray the intense psychological impact on the protagonist. Furthermore, the film employs a style of horror that not only creates terror but also draws out the intrigue and curiosity among the audience about the supernatural elements involved.

Throughout Visitant, viewers are dipped into the world of the protagonist, constantly pulled in by her consistent effort to combat her fear. The movie succeeds in making the audience question the existence of the invisible world, making them paranoid and suspicious about ordinary spaces around them, like their own homes. Visitant adequately captures the human mind's vulnerability when exposed to an unknown and threatening entity.

At times, the movie delves deeper into the trauma and helplessness associated with being haunted, thereby introducing viewers to the psychological dimension of fear. In addition, the movie subtly incorporates several themes, such as the dilemma between facing your fears or fleeing, the power of belief, and the strength of the human spirit in the face of the unknown.

The auspicious use of music and sound effects throughout the film by Ken Cain plays a crucial role in building suspense and amplifying the terror-filled moments. These skilfully synchronized elements accentuate the aura of the movie by adding depth to the paranoia-inducing sequences.

The movie has seen commendable appreciation in the horror circle for the meticulous cinematography by Scott Lee Mason. Crafted with precision, each frame encloses the essential elements that amplify the mysterious aura surrounding Samantha. The director's unusual but compelling take on terror is recognized and appreciated by critics and viewers alike.

In conclusion, Visitant brings forth a carefully crafted psychological horror film experience that utilizes essential human fears, mysterious entities and exploits the illusion of safety in one's home to build a tense and unnerving narrative. Despite being a low-budget independent film, this movie can make you question your understanding of the world, effectively haunting your mind even after the credits roll. For viewers who appreciate well-rounded psychological horror with consistent suspense, Visitant is worth a watch.