Roman

Roman, written and directed by Angela Bettis, is a potent character study released in 2006. This psychologically thrilling drama depicts the isolated and morose life of Roman, brilliantly portrayed by indie superstar Lucky McKee (May, The Woman). The film stands as a captivating example of modern psychological horror, marrying elements of loneliness, obsession, and the terror lurking behind suburban life.

Roman is a deeply introverted individual who isolates himself from the world. Making his living as the most subdued of welders, he is content with his tranquil existence, quite hesitant to break away from his mundane routine. He spends his time submerged in the cubes of his welding shop or his shabby apartment, where he escapes into the world of his thoughts. The other part of his solitude takes place at a laundromat, where he only interacts with a withdrawn chatterbox laundry attendant played by James Duval.

The movie takes an unexpected turn with the unexpected entrance of Eva, a flirty young woman played by Nectar Rose, who ignites a spark of affection within Roman’s life, magnifying his consuming loneliness. Rose’s character is vivid, contrasting with Roman’s solitariness by her vivacious presence, presenting an irresistible allure that Roman struggles to ignore.

Eva lives in the same building as Roman and often hangs out on the landing outside his apartment. Their first encounter is short-lived but poignant enough to trigger a strong fascination in Roman. He is drawn to her outgoing personality and begins to dream of an alternate existence where he and Eva are a pair.

In a cruel twist, Eva develops a kinship with Roman's neighbor instead, who is a mundane yet smoother player portrayed by Ben Boyer. Roman's obsession reaches new heights as he watches the blossoming relationship from afar with silent resentment and yearning. The story unfolds shrouded in a layer of melancholic suspense as audiences explore the depths of Roman’s emotional inclinations.

Kristen Bell appears later in the narrative as a new tenant who starts living in Eva's apartment. Bell's character, called the girl, is enigmatic and multifaceted. She brings in a breath of fresh air to Roman's life, albeit laced with riddled mysteries that only complicate his existence further. Bell’s performance is impressive, and her character's integration into the storyline serves to further underscore the layers of complexity underlying Roman's feelings.

Built on strong performances and a gripping plot, Roman subtly unwraps its protagonist's psyche, bringing the audience closer to this strange and complex character. McKee's deeply sensitive portrayal of Roman forms the heart of the film, with his understated tension and just-controlled desperation especially laudable.

Emphasizing the background score and minimal dialogue, the film underscores Roman's inward plight. His stark environment - ranging from the bustling laundromat to the desolate welding shop and the eerie streets - mirror his solitude and ennui at being a bystander in life, intensifying the aura of desolation and longing.

Roman is a departure from fast-paced Hollywood flicks, focusing instead on character exploration and psychological complexities. With each passing scene, the movie delves deeper into the recesses of Roman's mind, unearthing unsettlingly relatable facets of isolation, unreciprocated attraction, and the inescapable shadows of the past. Roman’s world is a slow burn that unfurls carefully across time; it's not horrifying in the conventional sense but rather instills an off-putting feeling that persists and hurts.

While not as overtly terrifying as conventional horror flicks, Roman, nevertheless, unsettles viewers by portraying how ordinary loneliness can manifest into irrational obsession. Roman (2006) appeals to viewers who appreciate in-depth character studies, psychological themes, and thought-provoking narratives that transcend the typical boundaries of horror.