88

88 is a thrilling and dramatic thriller that offers viewers an intense, fast-paced ride through a chaotic landscape of revenge, mystery, and personal discovery. Aptly named after the lead character Gwen's dissociative mental disorder, which lasts exactly 88 minutes, this film explores the terrifying consequences of extreme psychological trauma inflicted by sudden and shocking loss.

Directed by renowned filmmaker April Mullen and written by talented scriptwriter Tim Doiron, the movie was released in 2015 and showcases the acting talents of Katharine Isabelle, Christopher Lloyd, Tim Doiron, and Kyle Schmid, among others. The recurring theme of the number '88' reinforces the movie's exploration of split identities, serving as a motif that creates a rich, immersive, and sophisticated narrative landscape.

Katharine Isabelle plays the principal character Gwen with a range and depth that effortlessly guides the audience through the turbulent layers of her complex personality and disordered mental state. Gwen is a young woman who wakes up in a diner with no memory of how she got there, only to find herself in the midst of a violent attack that sends her fleeings in fear for her life. The film is deftly constructed around Gwen's split personality, with the narrative split between the disparate fragments of Gwen's mind, each represented by different versions of Gwen's persona: the timid and fearful Gwen and her aggressive and relentless alter-ego Flamingo.

Christopher Lloyd adds depth to the film in his riveting and sinister portrayal of Cyrus, a shady figure from Gwen's past. His experienced acting prowess brings a layer of suspense and dark charm to the film, masterfully contributing to its foreboding mood while driving forward the thrilling plotline.

The non-linear narrative structure shuffles between different periods of Gwen's life director Mullen has designated as 'Real Time' and 'Flamingo Time.' This technique creates a layer of ambiguity about Gwen's reality, adding to the suspense and thrill of the movie while continually keeping the audience on edge. The switches between 'Real Time' and 'Flamingo Time' serve not only as transitions but they also subtly reflect Gwen's mental state, reflecting the chaotic nature of her mind and serving as a powerful storytelling tool that brings the effects of her mental disorder to life.

The style of the movie is distinctly reminiscent of Grindhouse cinema with a contemporary twist. The filmmakers employ a gritty and grainy aesthetic that enhances both the violent content and the enigmatic storyline. This style is a perfect visual representation of the chaotic nature of Gwen's mind, creating a world that is at once grim, unnerving, and captivating.

Apart from the film’s visual bravuras, the soundscape of 88 also deserves applauds. From using sound to distinguish between the different timelines, to complementing the visuals with matching sonic aesthetics, the sound design contributes immensely to creating an immersive atmosphere.

Add to it the exceptional performances by the rest of the talented ensemble cast, the compelling, high-stakes narrative, and expertly choreographed action scenes, and 88 offers a cinematic experience that will resonate with fans of psychological thrillers and action films alike.

One thing this film does particularly well is the incorporation of action and drama. The action sequences are thrilling, with rapid-fire edits and convincing choreography ensuring that they feel visceral and real. The drama, on the other hand, is deeply rooted in the characters and their past trauma, making the emotional stakes of the film as compelling as its physical confrontations.

In summary, 88 is a gripping psychological journey that uses its unique narrative structure and noirish aesthetics to provide an experience that is as thrilling as it is thought-provoking. By focusing on a multifaceted main character with a disjointed sense of reality, it offers an intriguing exploration of trauma and identity, ultimately leaving the audience with much to think about even after the credits have rolled. With its intense performances, intriguing storyline, and well-crafted action sequences, 88 is a film that stands out in the realm of psychological thrillers.