Simon

Simon is a unique and darkly humorous British independent movie directed by Warren Badenski and released in 2016. The movie's gripping narrative is centered around a group of amateur filmmakers, which promises an exciting journey to viewers from start to finish.

As a unique gem among contemporary horror films, ‘Simon’ is alive with strikingly believable characters and compelling action that keeps the audience hooked. The film stars Katie Alexander Thom, Chris Bell, and Hetty Brown in significant roles, and their performances contribute a great deal to the film's masterful storytelling. Though it falls under the category of a horror movie, its plot is much more nuanced and layered, exploring themes of ambition, obsession, and the very concept of reality, making it a standout in the genre. The element of suspense that has been seamlessly weaved into the plot line adds to the overall cinematic experience.

Katie Alexander Thom plays the character of a determined and aspiring filmmaker whose dream is to get recognized in the film industry. She heads a tight-knit film team, including characters played by Chris Bell and Hetty Brown, that is hungry for success and recognition. Their mutual ambition leads them to an unusual project that they hope would provide them their sought-after break in the industry.

Their journey takes an unexpected turn as they find themselves stumbling upon a chilling mystery associated with the film they're working on. The story takes a plunge into the depths of horror as they grapple with the enigma which begins to unravel in their lives. What makes it more intriguing for the audience are the uncanny challenges and the bizarre realities the group must confront along their journey.

'Ropey' is a film concept that Chris Bell’s character comes across during the making of their film. The unique idea represents an innovative narrative within the narrative, involving a demented killer named ‘Simon’, the notorious past related to him and the unfathomable occurrences linked to the script that they are working on. Simon, although a character in their project, begins to evoke sense of dread and paranoia within the group as they delve deeper into the intrigue that surrounds him.

The element of horror in the film artfully blends with the narrative's psychological aspects, creating a balanced and engaging tone for the movie. This fusion illustrates the filmmakers' pursuit of their dreams while simultaneously spiraling into the psychological uncertainty that accompanies their project. The lines between fiction and reality are blurred skillfully, toying with the filmmakers' sanity and messing with their sense of what is genuine and what is a construct of their ambitious project.

Throughout the film, Katie Alexander Thom's performance stands out. Thom delivers an outstanding portrayal of a young woman who is torn between her ambition and the fear that begins to seep in from the horrifying mystery she is wrapped in. Meanwhile, Bell and Brown provide excellent support to Thom's character, developing a convincing group dynamic between the characters, and contributing to a darker and more threatening atmosphere that pervades the movie.

Director Badenski does a commendable job of setting the stage for a captivating horror movie while steering clear of the common tropes associated with the genre. The film delivers its scares subtly, leaning more towards psychological horror than physical terror. The blend of horror and reality is such that they become almost inseparable, making for an engrossing cinematic ride.

The cinematography by Liam Hejsak enriches the film's atmosphere, particularly through haunting visuals that heighten the sense of unease throughout the film. Also, thanks to a crisply woven screenplay, the dialogues between the characters make the film a gripping drama that masterfully portrays the essence of their relationships.

Overall, ‘Simon’ is a movie that gently touches the horror genre while deeply exploring the psyche of its characters, their ambitions, and the fear that their ambitions provoke. It is a gripping take on the journey of ambitious filmmakers who get far more than they bargained for, wrapped up in a chilling horror movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat.