The Mirror

The Mirror is a terrfying, gripping independent British horror film directed by Edward Boase. 2014 saw this movie make a remarkable impression in the genre with an engaging plot, talented cast, and a unique take on supernatural phenomena.

The plot towers around three young London-based flatmates: Jemma (Jemma Dallender), Matt (Joshua Dickinson), and Steve (Nate Fallows). The trio is ordinary yet engaging characters who are wide-eyed with ambition and seeking to make it big on their own terms. In their journey to whack big money, they make a decision which brings about a drastic change in their lives.

Inspired by the infamous Internet legend of haunted mirrors in general, the trio decides to acquire a second-hand mirror on eBay with the intent of documenting supernatural phenomena to clinch a £1 million paranormal challenge put out by a popular media corporation. The gang sets up round-the-clock surveillance, with cameras facing the mirror to capture any peculiar activities.

The atmosphere of the movie starts innocently enough, much like the characters themselves who are unsuspicious of the torrent of terror about to be unleashed. As the days roll by without the desired paranormal activities, tensions rise in the flat. However, this lack of obvious eerie events cleverly lulls the viewer into a false sense of security.

Yet, the mirror isn't as inactive as it seems. Bit by bit, strange occurrences begin to leach into their lives, quietly sowing the seeds of unease among the group. Disquieting events escalate in intensity, poisoning their relationships. As they grapple with the escalating dread, the movie takes a darker turn, upping the horror quotient.

The film features a handful of characters, but each persona is given sufficient depth and backstory. Jemma Dallender does a particularly impressive job of balancing her character's vulnerability and strength. Joshua Dickinson convincingly embodies the ambitious yet slightly naive character of Matt. Nate Fallows portrays the character of Steve, the somewhat sceptic and level-headed roommate.

At the heart of the movie is the titular mirror: an ostensibly standard, lifeless object. Yet, as a silent participant, it brings about palpable tension and becomes an unnerving character in its own right. The film engages not through ghastly apparitions frequently jumping out of this mirror, but through the subtle, instances of terror creeping into the ordinary lives of the protagonists.

The Mirror hinges on its psychological undertones and constant suspense. It portrays an insidious tale of how an irrational quest can unhinge the lives of the most rational minds. The absence of parity between what the characters believe, what the camera picks up, and what we, as viewers, see heightens the movie’s mystique.

The Mirror stands out in the horror genre with its handheld camera and found footage techniques, offering genuine realism. Despite its limited budget, it engages the audience with an easy-to-follow storyline, clever use of lighting, and commendable editing. The remarkable aspect is its ability to build fear from the almost mundane, exploiting the terror that could lurk in the ordinary facets of our lives.

The movie, thus, can be categorized as a slow-burn horror film which keeps viewers engaged with its escalating terror and its chilling portrayal of the unseen. The drama of interpersonal relationships and the eerie undertones combine to give the audience a delicious cocktail of drama, suspense, and pure horror.

In conclusion, The Mirror is a riveting tale that absorbs the audience into a dark, psychological thriller, depicting a terrifying journey of ordinary individuals who take a gamble with the supernatural, unaware of disastrous consequences. The film is provoking in its subtleness, leaving viewers questioning what is real and reflecting on the terror lurking in the most unexpected corners of our lives. It’s a unique must-watch for horror enthusiasts craving for psychological horror and suspense filled narratives.