We Have Always Lived in the Castle

We Have Always Lived in the Castle, released in 2018, is a gothic drama-mystery film that steadily unfolds a captivating tale. This film is a compelling adaptation of the renowned 1962 novel of the same name by Shirley Jackson and features a remarkable cast, including Taissa Farmiga, Alexandra Daddario, and Crispin Glover.

The film is steeped in incredible tension, layered with unsettling ambiguity, and boasts dreamy visuals. The storytelling focuses on the intricate layers of mystery, suspicion, and estrangement that interplay within the complex narrative.

The plot centers around the reclusive and eccentric lives of the Blackwood sisters, Constance (Alexandra Daddario) and Merricat (Taissa Farmiga), along with their ailing Uncle Julian (Crispin Glover). This peculiar family lives in isolation from their local community after they survived a tragic incident of arsenic poisoning that inexplicably claimed the lives of the rest of their family. Constance, the older sister, has been under suspicion due to her unshakeable bond to the family estate and her reluctance to venture beyond its confines. Meanwhile, younger sister Merricat employs protection rituals and symbolic magic to ward off intruders and the prying eyes of judgmental townspeople.

Filial love, loyalty, and deeply rooted eccentricities are the driving forces behind the girls' lives until the sudden and unwelcome arrival of their estranged cousin Charles (Sebastian Stan), who disrupts the uneasy peace of their household. His motives are suspicious and insincere; he has his eyes set on the family fortune hidden within the Blackwood manor. The arrival of Charles ultimately upends the steady rhythm of the sisters' lives and lays bare the haunting secrets that have been meticulously buried within the large, mysterious estate.

Director Stacie Passon does a fantastic job of translating Jackson's mesmerizing narrative to screen, keeping true to the eerie and haunting ambiance of the original novel. Effective use of vibrant cinematography, the claustrophobic setting of the Blackwood manor, and the picturesque but unnerving natural surroundings adds a layer of surreal enigma to the movie. The exceptional scoring by Andrew Hewitt enhances the rhythm of suspense that courses through the narrative.

The movie chiefly resonates through the impressive performances of the leading ladies. Taissa Farmiga plays Merricat, oscillating between child-like innocence and strange obsessions with conviction. Alexandra Daddario, as Constance, beautifully manifests the anxiety and fear that underlie her constant cheerfulness and reclusive tendencies. The chemistry between the two leading ladies is genuine and palpable, making their bizarre bond of sisterhood believable. Moreover, Crispin Glover gives an engrossing performance as Uncle Julian, consistently lost in his memories of the fateful night that altered their lives.

Beside the individual performances, the character dynamics are incredibly engaging and layered. The relationship between Constance and Charles is particularly curious. Their interactions trigger unexpected events in the plot and deepen the underlying notions of fear, isolation, and mysterious past that the narrative grapples with.

We Have Always Lived in the Castle is not simply a suspenseful mystery or a horror film in traditional terms. Instead, it is an atmospheric tale of isolation, dark secrets and familial bonds. It effectively delves into themes of fear, guilt, and the palpable dread of societal scorn, all wrapped within the confines of the reclusive Blackwood family and their haunting mansion.

In conclusion, the film offers a chilling, suspense-filled experience where the beauty of the landscape is juxtaposed with the unease lurking underneath and the macabre history of the Blackwood family. The plot navigates through mystery and dread while exploring the depths of familial defiance against societal judgment. It is this mesh of multidimensional characters, astounding performances, steady suspense and artistic storytelling that makes We Have Always Lived in the Castle an intriguing watch.