Wounds (2019) Movie Review: A Disturbing Descent into Horror
Introduction
“Wounds” (2019), directed by Babak Anvari, is a psychological horror film that delves into the unsettling and the supernatural. Starring Armie Hammer, Dakota Johnson, and Zazie Beetz, the film explores themes of fear, paranoia, and the unknown through a chilling narrative. Adapted from Nathan Ballingrud’s novella “The Visible Filth,” “Wounds” attempts to weave a complex tale of psychological terror and supernatural dread. This review examines the film’s plot, performances, and overall impact, along with information on where to stream or purchase it in the United States.
Plot Overview
The film follows Will (Armie Hammer), a bartender in New Orleans, who finds his life spiraling out of control after he discovers a phone left behind at his bar. The phone contains disturbing images and videos, which lead Will into a nightmarish world of terror. As he investigates the phone’s contents, Will’s relationships with his girlfriend Carrie (Dakota Johnson) and friend Alicia (Zazie Beetz) begin to deteriorate.
The images and videos reveal hints of dark rituals and supernatural forces, causing Will to experience increasingly bizarre and terrifying events. As his grip on reality loosens, Will becomes consumed by paranoia and fear, unable to escape the horrors that have been unleashed.
Performances
Armie Hammer delivers a compelling performance as Will, capturing his character’s descent into madness with a convincing mix of vulnerability and intensity. Hammer’s portrayal effectively conveys the psychological torment and fear that plague his character, making Will’s journey both engaging and unsettling.
Dakota Johnson, as Carrie, provides a strong performance, though her character is somewhat underdeveloped. Johnson’s portrayal of a woman caught in the crossfire of supernatural events adds depth to the film, highlighting the strain on her relationship with Will.
Zazie Beetz, playing Alicia, brings a sense of realism and grounding to the film. Her character’s interactions with Will add layers to the story, illustrating the impact of the supernatural on everyday life. The supporting cast, including Karl Glusman and Brad William Henke, also contribute to the film’s eerie atmosphere with their solid performances.
Direction and Cinematography
Director Babak Anvari creates a tense and unsettling atmosphere throughout “Wounds.” Anvari’s direction effectively builds suspense, using a combination of psychological horror and supernatural elements to keep viewers on edge. The film’s pacing is deliberate, allowing the tension to build gradually as the story unfolds.
Cinematographer Kit Fraser captures the dark and foreboding mood of the film with skillful use of lighting and camera angles. The visuals enhance the sense of dread, with shadows and dimly lit scenes adding to the overall feeling of unease. The use of close-ups and disorienting camera movements further immerses the audience in Will’s psychological turmoil.
Themes and Analysis
“Wounds” explores themes of fear, paranoia, and the unknown, delving into the psychological impact of encountering the supernatural. The film examines how exposure to dark and disturbing forces can unravel a person’s sense of reality and self. Will’s descent into madness is portrayed with a mix of psychological horror and supernatural dread, highlighting the thin line between reality and nightmare.
The film also touches on themes of guilt and personal failure, as Will’s own insecurities and unresolved issues are brought to the forefront by the supernatural events. The story suggests that the horrors Will faces are both external and internal, a manifestation of his own fears and regrets.
Streaming and Purchase Options
For those interested in watching “Wounds,” it is available on several streaming platforms in the United States. You can stream the movie on Netflix. Additionally, it is available for rent or purchase on services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple iTunes, Google Play Movies, Vudu, and YouTube. These options provide flexibility for viewers to access the film on their preferred platform.
Conclusion
“Wounds” (2019) is a psychological horror film that effectively blends supernatural dread with psychological terror. Armie Hammer delivers a strong performance as a man unraveling under the weight of dark forces, supported by solid performances from Dakota Johnson and Zazie Beetz. Director Babak Anvari creates a tense and eerie atmosphere, although the film’s pacing and narrative complexity may not appeal to all viewers. For fans of psychological horror and supernatural tales, “Wounds” offers a chilling and thought-provoking experience. The film is available on various streaming and rental platforms for those interested in exploring its dark and disturbing narrative.
Wounds 2019, Wounds review, Babak Anvari, Armie Hammer, Dakota Johnson, Zazie Beetz, psychological horror film, where to watch Wounds, Wounds streaming, Wounds rental, supernatural horror, disturbing thriller.
