One Eyed Girl

I'm still sitting with everything it made me feel. It's one of those slow-burning, unsettling films that doesn't go where you think it will in a good way.

The movie follows this guy, Travis, a psychiatrist who's clearly dealing with some serious internal turmoil. He's depressed, kind of numb to the world, and not really coping with the weight of his work or personal life. Then he meets Grace this quiet, strange young woman and through her, ends up in a secluded cult-like community led by a guy named Father Jay.

At first, it seems like they might be helping him. The place is remote, strict, almost military-like, but there's a sense of belonging there that Travis is drawn to. That's where the movie gets really interesting it starts challenging you to think about what people are willing to believe in when they're desperate for purpose or healing.

The performances are what really make this film stick. Mark Leonard Winter, who plays Travis, does a brilliant job of showing someone completely unraveling, while still trying to hold it together. Tilda Cobham-Hervey as Grace is just... haunting. There's so much pain behind her eyes, but she also carries this strange sense of calm that keeps you guessing. And Steve Le Marquand as Father Jay terrifyingly charismatic. You can see exactly why people would follow him, even when things start to feel off.

It's not a flashy film it's quiet, tense, and moody. A lot of grey tones, empty spaces, minimal soundtrack. It builds atmosphere more than action, but that worked for me. It felt real, raw, and honestly a bit uncomfortable at times which I think was the point.

I have to agree with one of the other reviewers that there isn't much, if anything, to recommend this by-the-books cult drama.

We have a chemically-dependent, terminally depressed young shrink (played convincingly enough by Mark Leonard Winter) whose young patient's suicide drives him over the edge, leading him into a cult-like EST-ish back-to-nature group led by Father Jay (Steve le Marquand).

Father Jay's group is all about getting "clear" (sound familiar?) and uses various punishing physical and mental techniques to supposedly "heal the soul".

So... is there anything you've heard so far that leads you to believe this is unlike any other cult you've heard about before?

Nope, didn't think so. And there isn't. I guess this might be shocking material for those who've never heard of brainwashing or even Charlie Manson, but it's snooze-inducing for those of us who have.

It's a pity because this isn't a poorly made film. The acting is decent. It just revolves around a non-story that's ordinary and non-compelling, to be kind. It's only 103 minutes, but it feels like a century. What a complete waste of everyone's time, including ours.

The film doesn't provide easy answers or fast-paced thrills. Instead, it offers a complex exploration of human suffering, the search for meaning, and the seductive power of belief systems. There are layers of tension that unfold quietly and methodically, making it feel more like a psychological investigation than a thriller in the conventional sense. While it may not boast the visceral impact of more overtly dramatic films in the genre, One Eyed Girl taps into a very real fear: the fear of losing control over one's own mind and identity.

What sets this film apart is its ability to balance character-driven drama with its philosophical and moral inquiries. The church that Travis stumbles upon isn't just a backdrop for the plot; it's a manifestation of Travis's fragile state of mind. Father Jay's influence over the group is subtle and insidious, and as we see Travis become more and more entangled with the church's practices, it's clear that the line between self-redemption and self-destruction is disturbingly thin.

It's not about jump scares or fast pacing. It's more like watching someone quietly fall apart, and you can't look away.

What really hit me was how real the characters felt. Not perfect, not likable all the time, but so painfully human. Travis is broken in a way that's uncomfortable to watch because it's relatable This isn't a movie for everyone. If you're looking for action or answers wrapped up in a neat little bow skip it. But if you like psychological stories that dig into grief, vulnerability, and the weird places people end up when they've got nothing left..

One Eyed Girl is not an easy film to watch. It is heavy, uncomfortable, and at times distressingly real in its portrayal of trauma and emotional manipulation. But it is also a film of great sensitivity, psychological depth, and moral complexity. It asks hard questions about mental health, belief systems, and the longing for redemption in a fractured world.

While it won't appeal to audiences looking for action or traditional horror, those interested in psychological character studies and understated cult dramas will find a lot to appreciate. It's a film that lingers long after the credits roll, not because of any shocking twist, but because it dares to sit in the quiet, painful spaces most stories avoid.