RELIC: When elderly mother Edna (Robyn Nevin) inexplicably vanishes, her daughter Kay (Emily Mortimer) and granddaughter Sam (Bella Heathcote) rush to their family’s decaying country home, finding clues of her increasing dementia scattered around the house in her absence. After Edna returns just as mysteriously as she disappeared, Kay’s concern that her mother seems unwilling or unable to say where she’s been clashes with Sam’s unabashed enthusiasm to have her grandma back. As Edna’s behavior turns increasingly volatile, both begin to sense that an insidious presence in the house might be taking control of her. With RELIC, first-time writer/director Natalie Erika James crafts an unforgettable new spin on the haunted-house movie.
Director: Natalie Erika James | Cast:Emily Mortimer, Bella Heathcote, Robyn Nevin | Runtime:90 mins | Genre:Thriller
Commentary: I applaud first time writer/director Natalie Erika James on creating some creepy intensity and a thought provoking ending in this gothic thriller. The story is based around three generations of women who are each struggling with inner turmoil, guilt, and regret. I would like to have seen this flushed out more but not at the cost of losing any of the horror. There is a lot left up to the imagination in this one. It is like being told a ghost story then letting your thoughts run wild as you lay awake in the dark.
The imagery and set design make a strong backdrop for the story. Again it has a gothic feel to it and the subtle story and sparse dialogue help. You are not sure what is happening to the elderly Edna (Robyn Nevin). Is she struggling with dementia or a sinister presence. Regardless her daughter (Emily Mortimer) and granddaughter (Bella Heathcote) are worried for her safety. As they uncover more and more secrets it is clear that not everything can be explained away easily.
I want to think that much of the story is a metaphor for life and growing older. This is not a blatant, in-your-face horror story. Many might be miffed by that since you have to put more thought into this one than your normal jump scare flick. Others will appreciate the broad strokes in which the story is painted. I personally would have liked a bit more balance of both. I honestly wanted to be scared more. And trust me I am an easy target. I call it the Blair Witch syndrome. There is a lot of talk about something spooky but it never really shows up.
It is a decent renter if you scroll past it on your streaming devise. The cast have good chemistry and I always enjoy watching Emily Mortimer. I was unfamiliar with Heathcote and Nevin but walked away fans and will keep an eye out for their other roles. I certainly will keep an eye on Natalie Erika James and anticipate some memorable offerings in the future.
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