Tormenting the Hen

Tormenting the Hen is a 2017 drama thriller directed by Theodore Collatos. The story unfolds a rather unsettling narrative starring Brian Harlan Brooks, Josephine Decker, and Dameka Hayes in principal roles. This indie feature film combines elements of drama, mystery and psychological manipulation, executed with rich performances by the focused cast and enthralling storylines that keep viewers uncertain as to what comes next.

The film begins with Monica (played by Dameka Hayes) and Claire (played by Carolina Monnerat), a couple from New York City who are on their heels because they are planning a quiet week in the New England countryside, a director and a playwright respectively. Monica is hoping to take a break in the serene New England woods, the perfect environment to rehearse her new play for the upcoming Off-Broadway production. Her partner, Claire, accompanies her as a fitting retreat from the city's hustle and bustle. A week of relaxation and preparation before their upcoming production is planned. However, an unforeseen element enters the equation. This comes in the form of their rather odd host, Mutty (played by Brian Harlan Brooks).

The couple finds themselves in an awkward situation when they find a chicken coop outside the house they're staying in, which is overseen by Mutty. A constant presence in their lives, Mutty is a mentally-challenged man who delightedly checks on 'his' hens and seems a bit too interested in the couple's activities. With his confusing and invasive demeanor, he somehow becomes the disruptive source of their privacy.

Further, the role with which Josephine Decker is entrusted is that of a catalyst, compounding the unsettling happenstances that slowly start to send Monica spiraling. The strain of creating, the pressure of microaggressions that keep popping up, and the tension spring from the looming presence - all play a role in an escalating psychological drama. The movie showcases elements of the unseen and the unsaid, painting a vivid picture of paranoia, racial tension, and the struggle for personal space.

The film is meticulously paced to build suspense. With seemingly mundane daily occurrences, the director skillfully hints at hidden truths and insecurities, elevating the atmosphere of tension. Collatos' mastery lies in how he manages to keep the narrative lean, escalating the core plot while skillfully keeping the audience engaged and guessing.

Tormenting the Hen shines light on some more profound social issues under its thriller veneer. It explores themes of race, discrimination, gender roles, and social prejudice. The film uses the mechanism of psychological distress, paranoia, and penetration of personal boundaries to jostle viewers from complacency, juxtaposing it against the tranquil countryside setting.

Creatively filmed, the director uses minimalist settings and close-ups to intensify the narrative's psychological aspect. The focus on characters' physicality rather than relying solely on dialogues to carry forward the narrative brings an intense rawness to the film. The unconventional storytelling style only amplifies the performance of Brian Harlan Brooks and Dameka Hayes. Their compelling performances drove the narrative, combining tension with subtle vulnerability, which makes the audience feel both uncomfortable and sympathetic. Monnerat and Decker, in their capacities, add more depth to the progressing storyline.

Impressively, the filmmakers were able to execute such a complex plot within limited means and resources, proving their creativity and the impact of an intriguing storyline. The excellent scripting of the story and top-notch performance from the cast helped in maintaining the creepiness factor, making the audience glued to their screens, anticipating the upcoming scenes.

Although the film is nerve-wracking, it leaves the audience with an afterthought. It pushes them to ponder over our societal norms and the lens through which we view racism and prejudice taboo. With its tense storyline, subtle yet thought-provoking societal examinations and commendable performances, Tormenting the Hen carves its unique place in the contemporary independent cinema. It's a movie worth watching for those who appreciate thought-provoking psychological dramas with an unexpected twist.