Porcelain

Porcelain
Porcelain

Horror is a genre that often tackles issues such as abuse and mental illness. For victims of such abuse, horror encompasses what they endure on a day-to-day basis. There’s a new feature film on Amazon Prime that seems to accomplish this in a rather novel manner. Actress and Producer Nicole Nigalia directs her first feature-length film Porcelain. A film directed by Nicole, Porcelain tells the story of Elise who discovers that her estranged father has died prompting her to go back to her childhood home along with her boyfriend so that they can settle the estate. Back at the house, she has the feeling that there is someone or something who is irritating and following her around the house. The line that separates reality from a bad dream is very thin now as Elise’s past returns to her.

Porcelain is a dramatic horror film that is dark and fuels suspense as it progresses. As the viewer, one witnesses Elise’s fall into darkness as she is stimulated by different objects in the house, for example, dolls that she used to play with as a child. I admired the unsettling atmosphere that seems to be present each time we go into the house. The director also manages to make the audience ponder the reason; “Is the house cursed, or is it just Elise who has sustained emotional scars from her childhood?”. There aren’t many Vfx, but cinematographer Richard Trejo employs some effective camerawork that adds to the eeriness. Even if the dolls do not move or do anything Chucky-ish, they still contribute to the terror. Italic “Under the skin”, the story is treated very seriously and for a good reason considering the themes that are being presented in the film.

Nigeria is not only behind the camera but also in front of it as Elise. She indeed is directing but manages to emotionally soar in her interpretation. There is a constant shift around her: Cooling for her boyfriend then warming to him, before finally succumbing to some unseen forces within the house. There is a lot of empathy towards Elise as soon as her background history is exposed. The same goes for Caleb, Hunter Johnson’s boyfriend who plays her character. In the beginning, there is the sense that he’s slightly insecure and jealous. But moving forward, such a tantamount display of affection makes sense. Faced with his own difficulties: Should he stay with a mentally ill woman he loves, or walk away? All of that comes through thanks to Johnson’s performance.

What stood out most impressions is the description of a character who goes through a trauma that leads her to be mentally ill. There is a danger of it being overdone and in certain areas there is always the possibility that it will be extreme to make you laugh. Porcelain addresses it just right. They want what’s best for the victim but it pains them to do so because the victim’s attitude is to deny all assistance. Considering my own experiences as well, I was able to empathize with both on several levels so seeing what Elise endures was difficult at times.

It is a character-driven, rather slow horror film that is a bit boring for those who expect a sudden jump scare. The story has scary monster elements but the most frightening aspect is how Elise slowly goes mad, which is disturbing for those who have seen it in person. This may be difficult for some horror lovers but if you like great psychological drama horror then Porcelain is definitely not a film you would want to miss.

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