This Old Machine

This Old Machine is a suspenseful thriller drama film that hit the screens in 2017. Directed by Brad Garris and written by Garris in tandem with Mike Healey, it features a strong ensemble cast headlined by Kevin Sorbo, Dee Wallace, and Lance Henriksen. Packaged with a riveting storyline and suspense-filled scenes, the film seeks to defy typical genre conventions and formulate a unique puzzle for viewers to piece together.

The storyline provides an enriching emotional journey through the darkest sides of a man's fears and vulnerabilities that manifests into a thrilling road trip. Kevin Sorbo puts on a strong leading performance as Vint, a husband perturbed by despair and confusion after his wife goes missing under cryptic circumstances. His world crumbles around him as he attempts to reconnect with his daughter and somehow make sense of his crumbling reality.

A notable addition to the cast is the quintessential actor Lance Henriksen, popular for his roles in sci-fi and horror genres. He plays an enigmatic and brooding character that aids in deepening the mysterious entangle of the storyline. His masterful performance brings a depth to his character that serves as an important element, maintaining the suspense that is pivotal to the storyline.

Dee Wallace, a seasoned actress with a range of dramatic roles under her belt, delivers a heartfelt performance in the movie. Her portrayal provides emotional strength and attachment that form an integral part of the narrative. The interactions between the characters, particularly between Sorbo’s and Wallace’s characters, are underpinned by complex relationship dynamics, powerfully projected through their performances.

The director, Brad Garris, deftly crafts a story with exceptional pacing that gradually unfolds the mystery, keeping viewers engaged throughout. He affixes the film with a subtle psychological depth, making the storyline much more than a simple thriller. Under his precise direction, the plot exploits aspects of fear, desperation, and suspense to enhance the movie's overall grip.

Moreover, the film successfully establishes an atmosphere of unease and tension right from the beginning, holding it steadily throughout. Artful cinematography and measured editing style contribute significantly to building the suspenseful atmosphere that engulfs the characters' lives and actions. The movie also deftly threads segments of the past into its narrative, contributing to the allure of the film.

The raw landscapes and widespread outdoors where most of the movie occurs add an extra layer of isolation and urgency to the unfolding narrative. The natural scenery is captured effectively to heighten the overall sense of dread and ominous nature of the circumstances. Haunting and moody background score further embellishes the film's suspenseful tone.

In terms of thematic elements, the film juggles with trust issues, loss, and dreads of the past while punctuating it with elements of human perseverance, love, and resilience against the shadows of adversity. Mixed in with the main narrative is a subtler exploration of interpersonal relationships and the myths we often build around those we love.

Even though This Old Machine fits into a genre where predictability can become an issue, the film maintains intrigue and curiosity till the very end. This is through its non-linear narrative, unexpected plot derailments, and psychological depth, which help to differentiate it from the usual fare that this genre offers.

In conclusion, This Old Machine is not only a trip through an intense web of fascination and bewilderment but is also a deep dive into the psyche of its characters. It’s an engaging mix of stirring performances, thrilling narrative, and top-notch cinematic elements all rolled into one. It compels you to question, sympathize, and ponder the tangles of the human heart and mind. A must-watch for anyone who loves to delve into the speculative world of thrillers with a substantial dramatic backbone.