By Jon Donnis
Arriving on Amazon from December 10, 2024, The Reflected Self is a haunting new film that explores identity, memory, and the ways our past can shape us. Written, directed, and produced by Kelvin Richards, this psychological drama blends chilling supernatural elements with deeply emotional storytelling, creating a thought-provoking and unsettling experience.
The film follows Dion, a young man who moves into an abandoned 18th-century mill with his teenage sister Nia after the sudden death of their parents. The mill, left to them as an inheritance, is far from a peaceful refuge. As Dion takes on the responsibility of caring for Nia and tries to rebuild their strained relationship, he begins to see a ghostly Victorian woman. She seems to haunt the house, but only he can see her. The more she appears, the more Dion's sense of reality starts to crumble, leaving him questioning if the haunting is tied to the mill or to his own buried trauma.
Barney Jones (Andor, A Thousand Blows) delivers a powerful performance as Dion, capturing the struggles of a man battling both grief and his own mind. Marielle Clare (In the House) plays Nia, a teenager caught between mourning her parents and dealing with her brother's increasingly erratic behaviour. Daisie Boyes (The Reckoning, Tell That to the Winter Sea) also shines in a key role, adding further depth to this gripping story.
At its core, The Reflected Self is about the memories that shape us and the fragility of our identities. Kelvin Richards asks profound questions: if those memories are altered or unreliable, does that change who we are? The film delves into Dion's fractured psyche as he uncovers unsettling truths about his past and himself.
The 18th-century mill serves as a perfect metaphor for Dion's unraveling state of mind. Its creaking floors, shadowy hallways, and eerie stillness create a setting that feels alive, amplifying the tension and mystery. The visuals and sound design work together to create a deeply immersive and unsettling atmosphere.
Kelvin Richards brings his unique vision to life, delivering a story that is as emotional as it is chilling. This is a film that not only keeps you on the edge of your seat but also leaves you questioning the nature of memory and identity.
The Reflected Self premieres on Amazon on December 10, 2024. If you enjoy films that blend psychological depth with supernatural suspense, make sure to add this one to your watchlist.
