Paralysis

I really wanted to like Paralysis. The premise is intriguing, and I'm sure there's a solid story underneath it all. Unfortunately, I found it almost impossible to get into the film because of the acting. It felt more like a local theatre production or a student project than a professional film. The performances just didn't carry the emotional weight needed for this kind of story - they often felt flat, awkward, or overly dramatic in a way that pulled me out of every scene.

I don't say this lightly, but I genuinely believe someone with no acting background could have delivered a more natural performance. That made it hard to connect with the characters or feel any real tension, which is a big problem in a psychological horror like this.

That said, credit where it's due: the team clearly had passion and a vision, and the concept could've worked with stronger direction and casting. I just hope future projects put more emphasis on performance quality, because that alone can make or break a story like this.

(2022) Paralysis PSYCHOLOGICAL HORROR

Edited, co- cinematography, co-associate produced, written and directed by Levi Austin Morris that has Haley Stone (Allison Lobel) interacting with her brother, Nicky Stone (Levi Austin Morris) who happens to be be a painter/ artist. At the same time she is seeing and dreaming about things that are not there, such as a demonic presence sometimes with her brother, Nicky present sometimes not. And although, she takes medication we find out she suffers from sleep paralysis/ nightmares. It is during then she seeks help from a paranormal investigator, Anissa Bradley (Lisagaye Tomlinson) who may or may not be the solution to all of Haley's nightmares.

Self-explainable psychological horror movie that is slow and boring in parts but may have been better if it had a bigger budget.

This movie is a slow burn, exploring grief and it's many facets. It takes you through all the stages and you really feel for Hayley. I can not recommend this film enough. Alison Lobel and Levi Austin Morris play their characters to a tee. The relationship and character arcs feel genuine. As you travel through the grief that Hayley is experiencing, you feel the growth as she comes to grips with her inner turmoil. Alison's portrayal of the many stages of grief are nuanced and a tterly heartbreaking at times. Do yourself a favor and check out this film. While the beginning can be a little slow, it's needed to develop the characters and story. Don't let this one pass you by.

Not a genre I typically watch, nor typical for the genre. Emotionally wrenching and lots of twists and turns with a satisfying ending. It is incredible that this film was created and shot using a mobile phone on a shoestring budget. The entire film had a sense of dreaminess and semi consciousness, as though you are drowning and your synapses are randomly firing, blending reality and memory and fear and guilt until you are unable to discern which way is up, your lungs burning as you flail for the surface and air. That the scenes are confined to a handful of rooms and locations drives home the isolation of the main character and her being tethered to her grief, unable to move, paralyzed.

This film is a great psychological thriller to watch in the dark. Good luck trying to sleep after, though. The writer and cast gives it their all and you can tell there is heart and soul in this movie. I would have thought the budget was easily 10x what it was. The make up and effects are top tier.

The plot twists and turns in unexpected ways. What you originally think is "just a demon" evolves into talking about deep-rooted trauma that has been packed away.

The set and lighting are perfect to make this extra spooky to your core!

I hope this director continues to make many more films so I can watch them all!