Violett

The human psyche employs complex and often inexplicable methods to cope with pain and confront its deepest and most vivid fears.

This 2023 Australian film, written and directed by Steven J. Mihaljevich, delves into the psyche of Sonya (Georgia Eyers), a mother gripped by fear that her daughter will kidnapped, echoing the mysterious disappearances occurring in their small, remote town in the Australian outback.

The story unfolds subtly at first. However, gradually immersing the viewer in a haunting atmosphere oscillates between dreamlike and demonic. It narrates its twists and turns through vivid colours interwoven with dark imagery.

This bold, almost experimental approach is not unfamiliar in the horror genre, where the primary focus shifts from the characters to the striking colours and bizarre, incomprehensible visuals.

Sonya, a distressed mother, likely suffering from an unspecified mental illness, lives in a small town shaken by recent events. Her obsession with her 11-year-old daughter Violett drives her into a paranoid state, causing visions that blur the line between reality and imagination.

These visions strain her relationship with her daughter and cause her bond with her husband to deteriorate.

This movie delves into traumas and fears, bringing them to the big screen with masterful, psychedelic brilliance. It blends vibrant pop art with the darker recesses of the human psyche in a surreal, breathtaking experience, all enhanced by Shane Piggot's exceptional cinematography.

Pain and sorrow are a recurring theme throughout the film. The story vividly illustrates how loss, or the threat of it, can lead us to a dark and unhealthy state where despair becomes our constant companion.

It's a visually captivating experience that leaves a lasting impression on the audience, thanks to its enchanting imagery and characters reminiscent of a witchcraft-themed circus. The story unfolds unpredictably like a curtain opening slowly, leading to a cleverly chilling finale that completely disarms the viewer.