Wounds

Wounds is a psychological horror film from 2019 that showcases a chilling narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. This atmospheric thriller features notable performances from Armie Hammer, of Call Me by Your Name fame, Zazie Beetz, known for her role in the popular series Atlanta and Deadpool 2, and Karl Glusman, who starred in Love and Nocturnal Animals.

In Wounds, Armie Hammer plays a New Orleans bartender named Will, whose carefree lifestyle embodies the absolute joie de vivre of the place he calls home. His life unravels following an unsettling and violent encounter at the bar where he works, Rosie's, precipitating him into a spiral of uncertainty and terror. The disconcerting atmosphere and the characters' reactions to their circumstances make for an engrossing cinematic experience.

At the heart of the story is the consequences Will faces after picking up a lost phone left at his bar following a disturbing episode. Riddled by curiosity, he explores the phone only to find disturbing content and messages that sows the seeds of unrest. This smartphone becomes something of a Pandora’s Box, leading Will to a world of unspeakable dread.

Behind Will’s charming facade, he is stuck in a stagnant relationship with a schoolteacher, Carrie, played by Dakota Johnson. At the same time, he is entangled in a flirtatious friendship with a regular at his bar, Alicia, brilliantly portrayed by Zazie Beetz. As Will delves into a world of escalating horror, these relationships add layers of complexity to the narrative. The nuanced performances by Johnson and Beetz give the film an added edge, and the chemistry between Hammer and Beetz enhances the viewing experience. Simultaneously homey and sinister, the bar serves as a central consuming entity that deeply affects the characters, their relationships, and ultimately, their sanity.

Karl Glusman’s character, Jeffrey, possesses either the solution or perhaps the root cause of the omnipresent terror. His mysterious persona intertwined with the chilling ambiance creates an overwhelming sense of terror, adding ample uncertainty and apprehension to the storyline.

The film, based on Nathan Ballingrud's novella “The Visible Filth,” is adeptly adapted for the silver screen by director Babak Anvari. Anvari, who previously demonstrated his ability to create tension and suspense with the critically acclaimed Under the Shadow, continues in that same vein with Wounds.

The chilling visual effects and the horror elements are impressively subtle and atmospheric, creating a sense of dread—not so much from what is shown, but from what is suggested. The film’s horror elements maintain a lingering sense of deep discomfort, stemming from the psychological ruin and emotional disintegration of the characters rather than depending purely on typical horror tropes. This ability to get under the viewer's skin is one of the film's standout strengths.

Cinematically, Wounds is impressive, with Anvari’s expertise at keenly distilling cityscapes and dimly lit interiors both paints the settings in an eerie veil, making the locations characters in themselves. The movie’s sound editing is also praise-worthy, as it creates, sustains, and amplifies a sense of dread and unease that's crucial to the progression of the narrative.

In essence, Wounds artfully merges elements of traditional horror with those of psychological thrillers, resulting in a fascinatingly unnerving viewing experience. The film continually explores and tugs at the underbelly of human relationships, gradually eroding the sanity of the characters while blurring the lines between reality and sinking hallucinations.

While the story of Wounds is disturbing and may not be to everyone's taste, the film isn't solely about visual horror; it is an exploration of hidden fears and the unknowable depths of our digital age's disquieting realm. If you're able to overlook the unsettling imagery and delight in the streaming pile-up of terror, Wounds stands as a masterclass in atmospheric storytelling and an engaging exploration of genre cinema’s potentialities.

In conclusion, Wounds is a deeply unsettling horror film that masterfully blends atmosphere and character in a suffocating portrayal of dread, offering a unique and refreshing take on the genre.