Pooka!

Pooka! is a psychological thriller that was released in 2018. The movie, directed by Nacho Vigalondo, stars Nyasha Hatendi, Latarsha Rose, and Jon Daly. The story revolves around a struggling actor, Wilson, who is hired by a toy company to play the role of Pooka, a popular Christmas toy. Wilson initially thinks of it as a blessing - a chance to redeem himself and make some money. However, as the days go by, he realizes that things aren't as they seem.

The movie begins with Wilson attending auditions for various roles. However, he continues to get rejected, which puts him in a state of despair. In the meantime, we are introduced to Pooka, a stuffed toy that has taken the market by storm. It is being sold out in every store, and everyone wants to get their hands on it. Wilson soon discovers that the toy company that manufactures Pooka is offering a job to play the role of Pooka at a mall during the Christmas season. Wilson jumps at the opportunity, and soon he is transformed into the beloved Christmas toy.

At first, Wilson is thrilled with the job. He enjoys bringing joy to children's faces and loves the attention he is receiving. However, as he spends more time in the costume, he starts having strange and frightening experiences. The Pooka costume appears to possess him, and he isn't in control of his actions while wearing it. Furthermore, he begins to have nightmares about Pooka and becomes increasingly paranoid. His behavior becomes erratic, and he starts to harm himself and others while in the costume.

As the days pass, Wilson's mental state deteriorates further. He becomes increasingly isolated, and his grip on reality slips away. His descent into madness is gradual but terrifying. The movie keeps the audience guessing whether these experiences are real or if Wilson is losing his mind. The psychological thriller aspect of the movie is on point, with the audience never really knowing what is happening.

The movie's pacing is excellent, with the tension and suspense building up nicely. The soundtrack adds to the eerie atmosphere, and the lighting is used effectively to create a sense of unease. The cinematography is brilliant, and the use of close-ups effectively captures the characters' emotions.

Nyasha Hatendi delivers a stunning performance as Wilson. He effortlessly switches between emotions such as frustration, fear, and madness. Latarsha Rose delivers a noteworthy performance as Melanie, Wilson's love interest, but her character could have been developed a bit more. Jon Daly is also great as the toy company's owner, who seems to be hiding something.

Overall, Pooka! is a well-crafted psychological thriller that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. The plot is unpredictable and engaging, with a few twists and turns that will leave you guessing. The performances are fantastic, and the movie's aesthetics are top-notch. It is not a movie for everyone, as it is dark and disturbing. However, if you're a fan of psychological thrillers, Pooka! is definitely worth a watch.