Waking David

Waking David is a gripping internationally-acclaimed indie drama directed by Kevin Nash, released in 2016. The film features a handful of talented artists in its credit including Kristy Bruce, Shane Bruce, and Mark Katz. It manages to captivatingly stitch together elements of mystery, drama, and human psychology. This intensely intriguing narrative is powerful, filled with hidden truths, dark secrets, and unforeseen revelations.

Set in London, Waking David skillfully explores a complex web of characters, primarily focusing on the life of an American psychology student, Scarlett, portrayed by Kristy Bruce. Scarlett is working on her thesis about the differences between British and American psychotherapy methods. She navigates through a string of interviews with eminent Psychotherapists in England, one of whom is Professor David Flincher, played by Mark Katz. However, an unexpected twist occurs when she comes to know that he has slipped into a coma due to a heart attack, and might not regain consciousness.

Struggling to complete her thesis and driven by an intriguing curiosity, Scarlett decides to interview David's family instead, hoping to gain some insight into David's life and professional practices. This journey brings her closer to her subject matter than she could ever have imagined, as the overlapping narratives begin to reveal a maze of deep-seated family conflicts, secrets, and turmoil. The performances of the heretofore-mentioned Mark Katz and Kristy Bruce, are supported by Harriet Madeley, Tom Clear, and Shane Bruce, all of whom provide brilliantly nuanced performances that add distinct layers to the film's riveting narrative.

Director Kevin Nash flawlessly utilises a unique narrative style, blending times, spaces, and realities to further pull the audience into the depth of the character’s psychological states and familial dynamics. The film employs a back-and-forth in time in the plot, as it concurrently presents scenes from the Flincher's past, adding depth to the family's psychological portrait.

The storyline gradually unfolds, striking an intriguing balance between the palpable tension of the ongoing interviews and the mysterious past events coming to the surface. It beautifully builds upon emotional conflict, suspense, and surprise elements, engaging its viewers with every passing minute. The audience is made a part of the process in connecting the dots, drawing conclusions, and unravelling the mystery buried deep within the life of Professor Flincher and his family.

Waking David is an engaging exploration of professional passions, personal dilemmas, and family dramas. It elegantly showcases the grace and grit of human life against the backdrop of psychology. One of the film's defining aspects is its accurate and empathetic portrayal of the intricacies of human behaviour and emotion. It offers a raw and relatable insight into the world of psychotherapy and fosters a deep understanding of the minds of its characters.

As the plot thickens, the film serves as an engrossing investigation into the mind of a brilliant psychologist. The narrative stretches along the lines of suspense, mystery, and psychology, offering a piercing visual and emotive depiction. Waking David isn't just a movie; it’s a psychological journey that delves into the darker corners of subconscious and memory, exploring the intricate relationship dynamics and the latent secrets within families.

The cinematography of the movie deeply resonates with its theme, blending smoothly with the emotional fabric and psychological tones. The austere scenic beauty of London serves as the perfect backdrop to this psychological drama, symbolising the grim and yet splendid labyrinth of human psychology.

In conclusion, Waking David is a thought-provoking, intense and unpredictable psychological drama that captivates viewers with its sharp storyline, realistic character portrayals, and the mystery at its core. The performances, direction, and writing extend a deeply immersive cinematic experience that's bound to leave viewers contemplating long after the credits roll. It's a must-watch movie for all cinephiles who enjoy psychology-themed films or are fans of gripping drama with a whiff of mystery.