Monday, June 15, 2015

The Confines Hides its Dark Side in the Basement: A Movie Review

*an online screener of this film was provided by the director, Eytan Rockaway.

*there are spoilers here.

Director: Eytan Rockaway.

Writers: Ido Fluk and Eytan Rockaway.

Cast: Jason Patric, Louisa Krause and Mark Margolis.

The Confines is a film from C+ Pictures. Developed by writer Ido Fluk, the film is a sightseeing adventure through the protagonist's tormented mind. And, some of these horrifying sights cannot be unseen. This title recently had a showing at the LA Film Festival and this reviewer was offered an early look. Steeped in tragedy, The Confines creates a creepy tone, in an abandoned building. Similar to The Shining, a central character must confront a mystery, which resides just off screen and within the building's walls. Also, the film highlights some of the strange things which can occur during the witching hour. And, the film's finale offers a surprise twist, which is adequately set up. Overall, The Confines is an enjoyable psychological horror film.

Streak (Louisa Krause) is struggling with delusions. She has a child and she is just starting a new security position. This is probably not the best job, for someone on anti-psychotic medication. Still, she bonds with another character, Cooper (Jason Patric). Together, they watch the cameras in an old tenement. As the witching hour approaches, Streak explores the old building and she finds a locked off part of the apartment. Behind the door, she finds a mystery, which will only be partially revealed here. There are secrets still breathing deep down in the basement.

This viewer saw influences from other films within The Confines. In one short scene, a deformed character is found lurking in a darkened hallway. The character is reminiscent of another, The Elephant Man (1980). This earlier film scarred several neurons in this reviewer's mind, many years ago. In this film, the character is equally deformed and horrifying to see, when the light is thrust upon him. As well, an opening scene is very similar to The Shining (1980). A caretaker is introduced to an abandoned building, by another caretaker. Their discussion introduces the film's primary setting, in both films. Though, in The Confines, there is no psychic link, but a psychological one. Finally, this viewer was reminded of Tarsem Singh's surreal title, The Cell (2000), by this film. Both films deal with a character exploring the psyche of a protagonist or antagonist and the characters therein. The Confines removes any dream-like qualities, in favour of a creepy moodiness. All of these film influences are steeped in horror.

The film also shows how the imagination can be amplified at midnight and beyond. This film critic, who also limelights as a night watchman and first-aid attendant, knows how the mind will try to play tricks on oneself. The mind attempts to see faces and figures in inanimate objects, when the guard spends a lot of time alone. You can see this in the film as Streak sees a young woman in a clump of dirty bedsheets. She also feels a presence, in the basement. But, are her senses relaying accurate information? The imagination tends to amplify events, especially at night. However, the source of perceived threats are always psychological and not supernatural. Writer Fluk bases his scares on what the mind thinks it sees, until late in the picture. In the third act, the protagonist's own inner characters fill the screen. Thankfully, this late night security guard has enough screaming clients to keep him busy, that imaginary characters are not required.

The finale is given some set-up. In an early scene, Streak looks at a poster, with a nude woman and a caption that reads: "en coma de passe." The first two words are important and provide a clue to the film's reality. As well, Streak is constantly exploring the basement. In dreams and figurative language, the basement is often a representation of the subconscious. Here, the character's greatest challenges and fears reside. Much of the film's primary setting is only as real as a nightmare. In a later scene and on another subject, a young boy reveals that several patients died, while drinking dirty water. But, he also states: "one survived." The survivor is the protagonist. Yet, she has still been adversely effected by the water as seen in the film's later reveal. She still suffers from her poor treatment, in a child's sanitarium, which is important to film's central message.

The Confines works on a couple of levels. The film is able to create two realities and therefore two levels of storytelling. On one level, Streak is dealing with a haunting (an internal one). On another level, she is succumbing to injuries experienced as a child. Both levels of narration work well with each other and the interlacing is affective. The final scenes arouse feelings of pity and sadness, much like the Greek tragedies of old. Overall, The Confines is both entertaining and intriguing. Hopefully, more fans of horror can find their own opportunity to see the film and the scares that lie within.

Overall: 7.25 out of 10 (strong storytelling, likeable characters, good acting).

Another still from the film is hosted here:

The Confines Early Stills on 28DLA

Recommended Release: The Cell (2000) at Amazon


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