The Last Will and Testament of Rosalind Leigh

The Last Will and Testament of Rosalind Leigh is a supernatural horror thriller movie from 2012. Written and directed by Rodrigo Gudiño, the movie is centered around the character of Leon Leigh, portrayed by Aaron Poole, who inherits his mother's house after her death. Leon is a reclusive antiques collector who discovers that his mother, Rosalind Leigh, was involved in an obscure cult. Rosalind, portrayed by Vanessa Redgrave, left behind a mysterious and occult-filled mansion that harbors dark secrets, numerous parcels containing unidentifiable items, and strange objects.

The opening shot of the movie shows Leon standing in the middle of the empty mansion with her mother's body lying beneath a sheet. The movie aims to create a sense of unsettlement through the use of Leon's perspective, his anxiety and fear about the house, and his mother's death, all of which he is exposed to in this eerie place.

The movie revolves around Leon's exploration of his mother's house and delving deeper into her secretive life, ultimately leading to a terrifying exploration of several religious and occult rituals, supernatural and metaphysical themes, and the perception of the afterlife.

As Leon begins to navigate his mother's house, he starts to realize that there are no clocks or mirrors within the house, which adds unease and a sense of disorientation to his experience. There are strange objects hidden in every corner of the mansion, some of which seem alive; he starts to feel increasingly unsafe as he spends more time in the house.

One of the most significant moments in the movie is when Leon receives a phone call from a man warning him about the house and his mother's involvement in an obscure, dangerous cult. From this point, the movie develops with an unsurpassed and ever-growing sense of danger.

The Last Will and Testament of Rosalind Leigh interweaves religious themes like heaven, hell, God, and Satan, all through a metaphorical filter, with recurring symbols, such as creatures with human faces, jars filled with fluids and small, hidden doors.

The cinematography in The Last Will and Testament of Rosalind Leigh deserves special mention. The movie's dark and shadowy visuals use slow moving shots around the mansion's interiors to create a haunting, supernatural setting that breathes and feels very much alive.

Aaron Poole effortlessly portrays the anxious, vulnerable and yet curious amateur who brings the movie to life, while Vanessa Redgrave stands out with her captivating performance. Her portrayal of Rosalind Leigh creates an air of authority and mystery that further enhances the film's atmosphere.

In conclusion, The Last Will and Testament of Rosalind Leigh is a must watch for horror movie fans seeking a slow-burn supernatural thriller. While not perfect, the movie's tense and haunting atmosphere coupled with an incredible performance from Vanessa Redgrave makes for an unforgettable experience that deserves to be watched more than once.