Undertow

Undertow is a 2018 Australian psychological thriller that captures the viewer's attention from the start with its disturbing and deeply intimate exploration of female mental health. The film effortlessly blends psychological drama with elements of mystery and suspense, and is directed by Miranda Nation, while starring Olivia DeJonge, Josh Helman, and Rob Collins.

The film revolves around the life of Claire, a powerful and gripping character, played by the talented Olivia DeJonge. The story unfolds in the small Australian industrial town of Geelong, Victoria. Much of the movie's intrigue stems from the contrast in landscapes featured, from the barren, hauntingly beautiful beaches to the gritty industrial estate.

Claire, a talented but emotionally tormented photographer, goes through an early unwanted termination that kicks up a multitude of pent up feelings. The tragic twist stirs a traumatic obsession in her, progressively steering the narrative to dramatically thrilling sequences involving stalking and disturbing incidents of violence. It's clear that grief takes a toll on Claire and her mental state is revealed to be fragile, as she unravels before our eyes.

Josh Helman plays the character of her husband, Dan, struggling to tackle the emotional distancing, as he copes with his own grief. DeJonge and Helman together portray the stark reality of a couple navigating loss and finding themselves at emotional loggerheads. The film explores their frail small-town life and how they react differently.

The narrative takes a turn when Tanya (Laura Gordon), also pregnant, comes into the picture. Claire's healthy obsession with Tanya's pregnancy appears harmless at first, but spirals out of control as the story progresses, leading to unforeseen complications. Each moment connected with Tanya is crucial and shot with meticulous detail.

Sal, the portrayal given by Rob Collins, brings a different level of grit to the movie. His performance adds another layer to the film's exploration of the underlying themes of betrayal and misplaced trust.

Nation's artwork and style of filmmaking take centre stage in "Undertow". Presenting the narrative through provocative imagery and tightly framed shots, Nation captures the distinct emotional complexity of each character, using subtlety and nuance. The raw emotions and psychological components behind every action are beautifully brought to the screen. The portrayal of the evolving character dynamics is praiseworthy, highlighting the director's ability to blur the boundaries of reality and illusion.

The movie's much-lauded cinematography, handled by Bonnie Elliott, deserves a special mention. The varying landscapes of the small-town industrial site, combined with the scenic beaches of Geelong, have been beautifully captured. The sweeping seascapes used sincerely echo the film's themes of isolation and introspection, and the unsettling undertow of the story.

The sound design is another standout element combining disorienting underwater sounds with claustrophobic silences that help to create an atmosphere of emotional chaos. The result is an auditory experience that reflects the character's fraught psychological states and goes hand in hand with the film's stunning visuals.

The movie, with its outstanding performances especially by DeJonge, is a compelling narrative that bravely grouses an uncomfortable yet important conversation about female trauma, grief and obsession. It exposes the raw and uncomfortable facets of human emotions and the often devastating consequences of extreme loss. The layered storytelling and intense characterisation make every scene in the film traverse beyond the usual predictability.

Adding to its credit, Undertow offers an ending that will leave the viewers processing the storyline long after the credits roll, engaging into deep and constructive conversations around mental health disorders and the stigma associated with it. For individuals oblivious of the predispositions of trauma influencing one's actions, Undertow would particularly resonate with them and unveil the more complex dimensions of human psyche.

In all, Undertow is a brave endeavour upstream that boldly addresses thorny themes with psychological depth and cinematic style. The film is an emotional roller coaster that draws the viewer in with its powerful performances, tight storytelling and vivid cinematography. A thought-provoking viewing that exposes the human frailty in the face of loss, Undertow does not shy away from showing the darker side of grief in its most raw and unfiltered presentations.