Relic

Using a multigenerational story to create a character driven, emotionally resonant horror, I sought to explore the heartbreak and horrors of aged dementia, the importance of human connection and the shifting roles and dynamics within a family. Relic begins more firmly rooted in drama, and slowly devolves into a horror and genre space, mirroring Edna’s mental and physical deterioration. Edna’s descent into the Other demonstrates that there are more horrific things than simply death. What’s worse is grieving for the loss of someone while they are still alive; it is the degradation of once brilliant minds, kind souls, and a treasured lifetime of memories; it is the feeling of becoming a stranger to the person who brought you into the world – these are the true terrors.” - Natalie Erika James

For her first feature film, Natalie Erika James gives us a real plunge into pure horror and above all tackles the themes of the haunted house and the undead with an approach that is as original as it is frightening, making Relic Instant Relic a cult film to see and see again. We can never repeat enough that horror films are not a sub-category but a genre apart in which many directors have not only been able to make their own weapons but also to build a universe and a way of filming that is their own.

This story takes place in a dilapidated country house that Kay (Emily Mortimer) and her granddaughter Sam (Bella Heathcote) go to. Kay's mother, Edna (Robyn Nevin) is missing and the search by law enforcement has been unsuccessful. However, when she reappears, her disturbing behavior makes this house no longer appear to be a safe place. An invisible presence also seems to be present and causes Edna and Kay to plunge into a waking nightmare.

We will never say again how lack of budget can be a good stimulating factor for directors and writers to find real originality to bring a story to life. Playing as well on the nerves of the audience. Beginning as a psychological thriller, the film gradually moves towards a scary horror film. Based on an essentially female cast and three generations of the same family, the film addresses the human ties between three women as well as the themes of mourning and what can await us in our final days. By refusing all sensationalism and by giving this film a real aura magnified by excellent photography and invested direction, Relic easily imposes itself as one of the best horror films of this year (the 92% rating on the Rotten Tomatoes website is justified).

Relic
Directed by Natalie Erika James
Producers: Anna McLeish, Sarah Shaw, Jake Gyllenhaal, Riva Marker
Screenplay by Natalie Erika James and Christian White
Starring: Emily Mortimer, Bella Heathcote, Robyn Nevin
Executive Producers: Joe Russo, Anthony Russo, Mike Larocca, Todd Makurath, Wang Zhongjun, Wang Zhonglei, Hu Junyi
Cinematographer: Charlie Sarroff
Music by Brian Reitzell
Edited by Denise Haratzis, Sean Lahiff
Production companies: Screen Australia, Film Victoria, Nine Stories Productions, AGBO, Carver Films
Distributor: IFC Midnight (USA), Star Invest Films France (France)
Release Date: July 10, 2020 (Theaters, VOD, Digital Rental), October 7,  2020 (France)
Running time: 89 minutes

Viewed on 10 June 2020

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