Lavender (2016) Movie Review: A Haunting Dive into Memory and Mystery
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Introduction
“Lavender,” directed by Ed Gass-Donnelly and released in 2016, is a psychological thriller that expertly blends elements of horror and mystery. Featuring a gripping performance by Abbie Cornish, alongside Dermot Mulroney and Justin Long, the film explores themes of memory loss, trauma, and buried family secrets, creating a chilling and suspenseful narrative that captivates from start to finish.
Plot Summary
Jane (Abbie Cornish) is a photographer who struggles with severe memory loss following a traumatic car accident. As she begins to recuperate, she experiences haunting visions and uncovers clues that draw her back to her childhood home. With the assistance of her psychiatrist (Justin Long), Jane embarks on a quest to piece together her fragmented memories and uncover the truth behind her disturbing hallucinations.
The deeper Jane delves into her past, the more she uncovers unsettling secrets about her family and the horrific events that transpired at her family farm. The film masterfully builds suspense, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats as Jane’s investigation leads her to dark and dangerous revelations.
Performance and Direction
Abbie Cornish delivers a powerful performance, portraying Jane’s vulnerability and tenacity with great depth. Dermot Mulroney and Justin Long provide strong supporting roles, adding layers of complexity and support to the narrative. Mulroney plays Jane’s estranged husband, Alan, while Long takes on the role of her compassionate psychiatrist.
Director Ed Gass-Donnelly crafts a haunting atmosphere through a combination of eerie visuals and a suspenseful score. His direction, coupled with a well-crafted screenplay co-written with Colin Frizzell, ensures that the film maintains a consistent tone of mystery and dread, even if the pacing occasionally falters.
Critical Reception
“Lavender” has received mixed reviews from critics, with particular praise for its atmospheric tension and performances. However, some critics have pointed out inconsistencies in its storytelling.
Rotten Tomatoes gives the film a score of 34% based on 29 reviews, with an average rating of 5/10. The consensus reads: “Lavender boasts a suitably foreboding atmosphere, but its story never really coheres into a compelling whole.”
Metacritic scores the film at 46 out of 100, indicating “mixed or average reviews.”
Despite these critiques, “Lavender” has found a niche audience who appreciate its blend of psychological intrigue and horror elements.
Streaming Availability
For viewers in the United States, “Lavender” is available on several streaming platforms. You can stream it on:
- Amazon Prime Video
- Netflix
Additionally, the film is available for rental or purchase on:
- Apple iTunes
- Google Play Movies
- Vudu
Final Thoughts
“Lavender” is a captivating psychological thriller that delves into the complex themes of memory and trauma. Abbie Cornish’s compelling performance, combined with the film’s haunting atmosphere, makes it a must-watch for fans of the genre. While the story may have its inconsistencies, its eerie visuals and suspenseful narrative provide a thoroughly engaging experience.
For those who enjoy psychological thrillers that keep you guessing until the end, “Lavender” offers a haunting and thought-provoking journey. Its exploration of buried family secrets and the impact of past traumas adds emotional depth to its chilling storyline.
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