The Ballerina

The Ballerina, a gripping 2017 cinematic blend of drama, horror, and thriller directed by Steve Pullen, engages viewers with a twisted story of survival and suspense, all pivoted around a heart-wrenching tale of lost childhood and familial love.

Set against the backdrop of the haunting forests of Virginia, the central narrative revolves around a desolate father-daughter duo- Glen (Steve Pullen) and his nine-year-old, incredibly talented daughter Daisy, (Isabella Pullen), who are victims of a past trauma that upends their life into a survival game, living off the grid, and having the vast wilderness as their home.

The film beautifully captures the dark and traumatizing circumstances that force Glen and Daisy to choose an atypical lifestyle. Steve Pullen, both behind and in front of the camera, encapsulates this desperate father's character, who is spurred by a compelling need to protect his daughter at all costs. Isabella Pullen, playing the young Daisy, invigorates the screen with her innocent charm contrasting brilliantly with a fierce tenacity befitting a juvenile survivor. Their chemistry resonates with the heart-wrenching portrayal of a strained, yet endearing father-daughter bond surviving against the odds.

Through the introduction of the character of Lucy, played by Peggy Kiefer Pullen, the plot further thickens. As Daisy's ballet mentor who shares a cryptic connection with the duo, Peggy's role chimes in a pivotal twist to the narrative juggling the psychological thriller elements into the plot.

True to its genre, The Ballerina uses the magnificence of the isolated wilderness setting, masterfully amplifying the elements of suspense and fear. There is a consistent undertone of gloom, perfectly complemented with masterly lighting and dynamic camera work, capturing the palpable tension that the characters experience.

The Ballerina, despite its haunting ambiance, has an underlying theme of dreams and the lengths one will go to achieve them. This notion is slyly conveyed through the character of Daisy. Despite her surroundings, she harbors the intense desire to emerge as a ballerina, diligently practicing her ballet steps with her tutor Lucy. Her relentless dedication towards her dream, juxtaposed against the harsh realities of her survivalist life, creates an interesting dramatic tension. This inclusion of a patch of dream in an otherwise thrill-laden narrative adds a sensitive touch to the film, invoking empathetic reactions from the audiences.

The script is meticulously crafted to keep a steady pace with the unfolding mystery, gradually revealing parts of the puzzle while maintaining an intriguing sense of unpredictability throughout the course of the movie. Not just an ordinary horror movie, The Ballerina dives deep into the psychological aspects of the characters, amplifying their fears, anxieties, hopes, and dreams - a testament to the thoughtfulness that went into the film's writing.

Moreover, the film manages to prevent itself from slipping into the clichés of typical horror or drama, as it gracefully balances elements of suspense with emotional undercurrents, making it stand apart in its genre. Casual horror fans and dedicated genre enthusiasts alike are sure to appreciate the blending of familial bonds and survival instinct that The Ballerina brings to the table.

In conclusion, The Ballerina stays true to its drama-thriller genre, all the while incorporating elements of horror and psychological tension effectively. It is a tale of survival, dreams, and the lengths one would go to protect their loved ones and ambitions. Thought-provoking performances, a gripping narrative, and a compelling mixture of drama and spine-chilling fears make The Ballerina a masterful, haunting voyage into human relationships and survival instincts.