Unraveling Minds: a Thrilling Descent Into Darkness

Read Time:4 Minute, 49 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Are You There?
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Genre: Horror, Thriller
Year Released: 2024, 2025
Runtime: 1h 28m
Director(s): Kim Noonan
Writer(s): Brian Tedeschi, Vicki Vass
Cast: Laura Sollet, Eva Meyerson, Madison Geiger, Meng Klovis, Chase Bridges, Kay Galvin
Where To Watch: in select theaters and digital platforms on February 7, 2025

RAVING REVIEW: The power of a single question can unravel everything we think we know about ourselves. ARE YOU THERE? takes this idea and turns it into a psychological nightmare, throwing its protagonist, Rosa (Laura Sollet), into a battle between reality and illusion. What begins as a seemingly simple ritual soon spirals into a relentless confrontation with the past, forcing her to navigate terrifying memories, supernatural forces, and the fragile nature of her mind. The result is an eerie, slow-burning thriller that keeps tension simmering while peeling back layers of unresolved trauma.

The story centers on Rosa Gonzalez, a paranormal psychology student whose academic curiosity turns dark after performing a ritual to connect with the other side. What starts as a controlled experiment quickly turns personal as she is trapped in an escalating struggle against forces she doesn’t fully understand. The film leans into a psychological horror framework, blending supernatural elements with personal agony, making it difficult to distinguish whether Rosa is truly encountering something paranormal or if her mind is fracturing under the weight of buried trauma.

The pacing plays a critical role in maintaining the film’s unsettling atmosphere. Instead of relying on excessive action or abrupt scares, the story builds dread through its structure, weaving together past and present. Each scene transitions smoothly, creating a narrative flow that mirrors Rosa’s unraveling sense of time and reality. There’s an unshakable feeling that everything is connected, and each new revelation forces her deeper into the unknown.

Sollet delivers an impressive performance as Rosa, capturing the character’s fragility and resilience. The story demands her presence in nearly every frame, and her ability to convey terror, doubt, and determination keeps the audience engaged. Her background in classical theater brings an emotional depth to the role, making Rosa’s journey feel personal rather than just a vehicle for horror.

The supporting cast adds important dynamics to the film. Eva Meyerson and Chase Bridges, playing characters who interact closely with Rosa, give strong performances that help flesh out the protagonist’s conflicts. Their roles add complexity, offering glimpses into how past experiences shape the present and reinforcing that horror doesn’t always come from external forces—it can also emerge from within.

The film uses light and shadow wonderfully, creating an oppressive and hypnotic environment. The cinematography plays with perception, shifting perspectives to heighten the sense of disorientation. Certain moments use minimal lighting to amplify suspense, forcing viewers to scan the screen for hidden threats. This approach, paired with a score that carefully balances silence and intensity, deepens the film’s unsettling effect.

Beyond its psychological horror elements, ARE YOU THERE? also incorporates themes of cultural identity and intergenerational trauma. Rosa’s ritual is not just a plot device—it’s a direct link to her Cuban heritage, giving her struggle an added layer of meaning. The film does not merely use cultural elements for aesthetic purposes; instead, it treats them as an integral part of Rosa’s emotional and psychological battle. This aspect sets the film apart from other thrillers, grounding it in a personal story that resonates beyond the horror genre.

Brian Tedeschi's and Vicki Vass' screenplay is filled with tension and ambiguity, ensuring the film avoids predictable horror beats. Tedeschi’s background in psychology is evident in how Rosa’s inner turmoil is handled. Vass’ journalistic experience brings a sense of authenticity to the supernatural aspects, making them feel tangible rather than exaggerated.

While the film's execution is largely effective, a tighter edit could benefit certain scenes. Some moments linger too long, slightly disrupting the pacing. While the slow-burn nature of the story works to its advantage for the most part, trimming a few sequences would have strengthened the film’s impact without sacrificing atmosphere.

ARE YOU THERE? offers an effective and engaging psychological thriller. It avoids cheap thrills in favor of a deeper exploration of trauma and perception, making for a more rewarding viewing experience. This film is a strong entry into the genre for those who appreciate horror that leans on psychological depth rather than excessive spectacle. It takes familiar supernatural tropes and infuses them with a raw emotion, ensuring the horror is something to be watched and felt.

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[photo courtesy of DARK SKY FILMS]

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