Without Name

Without Name is a psychological thriller from Ireland, directed by Lorcan Finnegan and released in 2016. The movie follows the story of land surveyor Eric (played by Alan McKenna), who is sent to a remote forest in Ireland to examine an ancient woodland that is slated to be destroyed. He is accompanied by his assistant, Olivia (played by Niamh Algar), and as their work in the forest progresses, Eric begins to experience disturbing visions and hallucinations.

The movie is shot in a beautiful, eerie forest landscape that overpowers even the most cynical viewer. Eric is working on a mysterious project: he's mapping out a forest that seems to be cursed. Strange things keep happening, and Eric doesn’t know why. Is the forest playing tricks on him, or is there a deeper, darker force at work?

Things start to unfold when Eric meets an eccentric local resident, who warns him about the forest, telling him that it's a place where “trees have human qualities” and “there’s a presence, an energy, you can feel it…” As Eric spends more time in the forest, his mental stability begins to unravel. He becomes increasingly paranoid as he feels like the forest is watching him, and the visions and nightmares he experiences amplify his fears.

The movie is very psychological and atmospheric, and the tension builds slowly but surely. The sound design and cinematography capture a deep sense of unease and claustrophobia that combined with Eric's hallucinations make the viewer uneasy. The direction creates the sense of being lost and constantly disoriented.

Without Name culminates in a shocking finale that leaves the viewer questioning everything that has come before. It is not an outright horror movie or some supernatural forest adventure. It is a film that toys with your senses and shifts your perception of your surroundings.

The acting is excellent, with Alan McKenna giving a strong and compelling performance as the lead character struggling with his demons. Niamh Algar brings a quiet intensity to her role as his assistant as she tries to navigate the line between empathy and detachment. James Browne, who portrays the enigmatic eccentric but knowledgeable local, adds a layer of mystery to his character, making it uncertain what he can be trusted with.

The movie's themes revolve around the relationship between humanity and nature, and the thin line that separates logic and madness. Without Name showcases the beauty and mysteriousness of forests as well as how the exploration of the unknown can expose our own inner turmoil.

In conclusion, Without Name is a visually stunning and thought-provoking psychological thriller that will keep viewers engaged in its surreal imagery, rich symbolism, and character-driven approach. The movie is a slow-burning journey for those who appreciate its take on a story about human behavior and mental fragility in the face of nature.