First-time feature writer/director Axelle Carolyn proves herself very capable of creating an emotionally rich and atmospheric ghost tale with the new film Soulmate. Carolyn is impressive as she is an author and a talented actress as well. Soulmate is an assured debut that offers a unique take on a standard story of a woman haunted after a tragedy.
Anna Walton plays Audrey, a woman recovering after a suicide attempt brought on from the grief of her dead husband. Audrey chooses solitude to recover and is soon in the picturesque Wales. During her first night as she unpacks, things begin to litereally go bump in the night. Odd noises are so common to this genre but what Carolyn accomplishes time and time again is utilizing troupes of the genre to allow her more focus and time on character.
Walton’s consistently excellent performance gives Soulmate a spark of energy and honesty. As we go through the motions of this kind of horror movie, the script begins to reveal the fragility of Audrey's state. Audrey uncovers many secrets as the film goes along but the script wisely remains focused on exploring Audrey as she grieves and heals.
The genius of Soulmate lies in the way it asks the audience if thedisturbances are caused by the history of the cottage, or whether they are manifestations that Audrey herself is creating. The location used keeps reminding us of haunted houses but the scars on Audrey's wrists that are shown often remind us of her troubled state of mind.
Soulmate is the opposite of so much that is coming out these days. The film isn't a series of jump scares but rather a thoughtful and satisfying exploration of love and grief. Horror films this rich in character and executed with such skill don't come along that often. Do not miss this one.
The genius of Soulmate lies in the way it asks the audience if thedisturbances are caused by the history of the cottage, or whether they are manifestations that Audrey herself is creating. The location used keeps reminding us of haunted houses but the scars on Audrey's wrists that are shown often remind us of her troubled state of mind.
Soulmate is the opposite of so much that is coming out these days. The film isn't a series of jump scares but rather a thoughtful and satisfying exploration of love and grief. Horror films this rich in character and executed with such skill don't come along that often. Do not miss this one.
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