The Skeptic

The Skeptic is a psychological thriller film from 2009 directed by Tennyson Bardwell. The movie stars Tim Daly as Bryan Becket, a successful lawyer and self-proclaimed skeptic who inherits a mansion from his aunt after her mysterious death. Tom Arnold plays his friend Sully, who helps Bryan to deal with the estate, and Zoe Saldana plays Cassie, his aunt's caretaker.

As soon as Bryan moves into the mansion, he starts experiencing strange and inexplicable events. He hears voices, sees apparitions, and is convinced that the house is haunted. Although he tries to rationalize everything, his skepticism is no match for the fear that he feels every time he is in the house.

As Bryan delves deeper into the mansion's dark past, he uncovers a web of lies and secrets. He discovers that his aunt was part of a cult and that her death may not have been natural. He also finds out that the mansion was the site of many murders and suicides over the years. The more Bryan learns, the more he becomes convinced that there is a malevolent force at work in the house, and that he may be its target.

Bryan's mental state starts to deteriorate as he becomes more and more obsessed with the house and its secrets. He starts to alienate those closest to him, including his girlfriend, who is also a lawyer. As he delves deeper into the mystery, Bryan starts to believe that there is a supernatural element at play, and that he may be next in line to suffer the same fate as his aunt.

The Skeptic is an atmospheric and moody film that relies heavily on suspense and tension to keep the audience engaged. The movie is shot in such a way that the mansion itself becomes a character, with its dark and foreboding corridors and hidden rooms. The film's sound design is also used effectively to create a sense of unease and dread.

The actors do a great job in their roles, with Tim Daly delivering a convincing portrayal of a man slowly losing his grip on reality. Tom Arnold brings some much-needed levity to the film, playing the role of Sully as a comedic sidekick. Zoe Saldana is also excellent in her role as the caretaker with a dark secret.

Overall, The Skeptic is a well-crafted psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. While it may not be for everyone, those who enjoy slow-burn horror films that focus on atmosphere and tension will find much to appreciate here. The film's ending is also satisfying and manages to tie up all the loose ends in a satisfying manner.