Third Contact

Third Contact is a surreal and psychological British thriller that was first premiered at the BFI IMAX in London in September 2013. The movie starred celebrated actors Oliver Browne, Cristiana Dell'Anna and Kristina Erdely, and was helmed by quantum physicist-turned-filmmaker Simon Horrocks. The film quickly gained a cult following for its obscure narrative style, coupled with a highly intelligent script that dove deep into the realms of psychology, quantum suicide, theories of psychotherapist Carl Jung, and German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche's concept of eternal recurrence.

The film leads us into the troubled life of Dr David Wright, a therapist portrayed effortlessly by actor Oliver Browne. He is a tragic figure plagued by his own demons, seen navigating his life after the sudden, shocking suicides of two of his patients. The movie ingeniously captures his struggle as it portrays his pursuit to understand the reasons behind these suicides. Cristiana Dell'Anna and Kristina Erdely skillfully portrayed characters who added depth and complexity to David's journey. These characters around him serve as vessels to showcase various human emotions and philosophical concepts against the backdrop of an eerily beautiful and intriguing narrative.

This feature film is an intense exploration of the mysteries unfolding in the wake of the tragic events that David is caught in. The eccentric incident of his patient’s suicides trigger his journey into a labyrinth of enigma, and set the stage for his encounters with mystifying circumstances and people along the way.

Third Contact journeys into the depths of a man’s psychological, emotional, and existential crisis, while also drawing themes from quantum physics. Its remarkable amalgamation of science and psychology, mixed with a dash of philosophy and spirituality, tries to untangle the lines of questioning one’s existence, perceptions of reality, and experiences of life.

The narrative style is combined with charming yet sombre visuals, filled with monochrome cinematography, which creates the perfect accompaniment to the grim and thought-provoking events unfurling in David’s life. The execution of this black and white storytelling is cleverly used to invoke a sense of mystery and charm to the world within the film. While it is a heavy film, with many dark elements, it treats the issues of suicide and mental health with sensitivity.

Third Contact creates an intense atmosphere that lingers despite the end credits – leaving the audience pondering the plot's complexities, interwoven with thought-provoking theories and philosophical debacles. The seamless incorporation of complex science fiction elements, such as Carl Jung’s theories on universal consciousness and subconscious archetypes, the infinite parallel universe concept, and presence of Nietzsche's eternal recurrence, adds to the film's most impressive aspects. It opens our perception towards the fundamental nature of reality, forcing us to question our existence and the series of incidents that encompasses our lives.

In conclusion, the movie Third Contact is an intriguing journey into the depths of the human psyche and the mysteries of the universe. It masterfully portrays a truly unique and thought-provoking narrative that experiments with the core principles of quantum physics and theories of psychology. Designed to inspire and provoke, the film's artistry lies in its ability to draw audiences into its deeply beautiful, intellectually stimulating, and at times haunting world.

Starring commendable performances from Oliver Browne, Cristiana Dell'Anna, and Kristina Erdely, Third Contact is indeed a rare blend of an intellectual mind-bender and psychological thriller. The film is sure to leave an impact and will certainly provoke thought long after the end credits roll. This is one film that, if given the chance, will grab the viewer's attention from its eerie beginning to its profound end.