The Attendant

The Attendant is a haunting and introspective psychological thriller that follows the story of Ben (played by Adrian Dunbar), a lonely janitor who spends his days cleaning the bathrooms and floors of a public restroom. The mundane nature of his work is juxtaposed with the stark and unsettling environment in which he operates - a dingy and dimly lit underground facility with no natural light.

Despite his unremarkable job, Ben longs for human connection, frequently engaging in awkward conversations with the few patrons who enter the restroom. His social awkwardness is only exacerbated by his deep-seated guilt and shame over a tragic event from his past, which is slowly revealed to us throughout the film.

Things take a dark turn when a young and attractive woman named Heidi (played by Hera Hilmar) enters the restroom and strikes up a conversation with Ben. Initially, he is taken aback by her friendliness and vulnerability, but the two soon form a bizarre and unhealthy bond that blurs the lines between reality and delusion.

As their relationship deepens, Ben becomes increasingly erratic and unhinged, driven by a fervent desire to protect Heidi at any cost. But as the disturbing truth about his past and his mental state is gradually uncovered, it becomes clear that Ben's intentions may not be as pure as he believes them to be.

The Attendant is a masterful study of human psychology, exploring themes of isolation, trauma, and obsession with deft nuance and subtlety. Adrian Dunbar's performance is breathtaking in its vulnerability and rawness, capturing the complex emotions of a man haunted by his past and obsessed with his present.

Hera Hilmar's portrayal of Heidi is equally impressive, imbuing the character with a quiet empathy and deep-seated pain that makes her both alluring and deeply human. The chemistry between the two actors is electric, creating a sense of intimacy and tension that immediately draws us into their twisted world.

Director D.R. Hood imbues the film with a sense of eerie and uncomfortable dread, utilizing an unnerving soundscape and austere cinematography to create a claustrophobic atmosphere that never lets up. This sense of unease only intensifies as the film hurtles towards its shocking conclusion, leaving us questioning the nature of sanity, love, and obsession.

Overall, The Attendant is a poignant and unsettling exploration of the human psyche, anchored by two powerhouse performances and a nuanced and intelligent script. It's a film that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled, leaving you haunted by its stark and unflinching portrayal of humanity at its most vulnerable.