Movie Review: A Cure for Wellness (2016)
Synopsis
“A Cure for Wellness” is a psychological horror thriller directed by Gore Verbinski that intertwines themes of madness, corporate greed, and the quest for wellness. The film follows Lockhart (Dane DeHaan), an ambitious young executive at a New York investment firm, who is sent to a remote wellness centre in the Swiss Alps to retrieve his company’s CEO, Roland Linter (Mick Jagger), who has voluntarily checked into the facility and remains uncommunicative. Upon arriving at the sanatorium, Lockhart quickly discovers that the serene surroundings and the luxurious treatments belied a sinister underbelly.
As Lockhart struggles to navigate the enigmatic and oppressive environment, he encounters a number of strange characters, including the alluring patient Hannah (Mia Goth) and the authoritative director of the centre, Dr. Heinreich Volmer (Jason Isaacs). The wellness centre, it soon becomes apparent, offers more than just relaxation; it harbours dark secrets involving psychological manipulation and inexplicable phenomena.
As Lockhart falls deeper into the centre’s enigmatic world, his sense of reality begins to blur. The film oscillates between psychological horror and surrealism, culminating in a shocking finale that raises questions about what it means to be well, the nature of control, and the darkness that resides within humanity.
Cast
- Dane DeHaan as Lockhart
- Mia Goth as Hannah
- Jason Isaacs as Dr. Heinreich Volmer
- Tania Mario as Virginia
- Mick Jagger as Roland Linter
- Harry Groener as Dr. M.
- Celia Imrie as Nurse
- Johann Urb as Mr. Pembroke
- Vladimir Jon Cubrt as the Driver
- Dasha Dzhullay as a Patient
Review
“A Cure for Wellness” is a film that operates as a visual odyssey, both aesthetically stunning and thematically complex. From the very beginning, Verbinski immerses the audience in an unsettling atmosphere through the use of breathtaking cinematography that captures the serene majesty of the Swiss Alps juxtaposed against the claustrophobic interiors of the wellness centre. The meticulously crafted visuals are complemented by a haunting score by Benjamin Wallfisch, which enhances the film’s tension and evocation of dread.
Dane DeHaan’s performance as Lockhart is one of uncertainty and desperation. He begins as a corporate cog, embodying the stark ambition of a man who expects the world to bend to his will. Yet, as he delves deeper into the secrets of the sanatorium, his performance matures into one characterised by vulnerability and bewilderment. DeHaan captures Lockhart’s gradual descent into madness convincingly, expertly portraying the emotional and psychological turmoil that unfolds throughout the film.
Mia Goth’s portrayal of Hannah adds a peculiar, almost haunting quality to the narrative. As the film progresses, her character transforms from a mysterious and innocent figure into something far more complex and tragic. Goth’s ethereal presence and emotive performance elevate the surreal quality of the film, making her a key driver of its emotional weight.
Jason Isaacs delivers a chilling performance as Dr. Volmer, who embodies the duality of fascinator and oppressor. His smooth yet sinister charisma captures the character’s manipulative nature, drawing Lockhart and the audience into the darker depths of his twisted philosophy of wellness. Isaacs’s portrayal creates an unsettling sense of danger, which escalates tension throughout the narrative.
The film’s screenplay is replete with allegorical significance, critiquing the modern obsession with ‘wellness’ and the lengths to which individuals will go in the name of health – both physical and mental. The wellness centre, dressed in the language and aesthetics of luxury, slowly reveals itself to be a place where restorative ideals crumble under sinister manipulations. Verbinski’s narrative holds a mirror to contemporary society, scrutinising how notions of wellness can often mask exploitation and moral corruption.
One of the noteworthy standout aspects of “A Cure for Wellness” is its exploration of identity and the mind’s fragility. As Lockhart confronts the mysteries of the centre, he not only questions the motives behind the facility but also delves into his own psyche. The incorporation of various motifs – such as the unsettling water imagery representing both life and death – becomes increasingly significant as the film unravels. Water, in particular, is a recurring symbol that accentuates the film’s themes of purification and the unsettling nature of something that appears healing but has perilous undertones.
Additionally, the tension builds through the use of horror elements that often tread the line between psychological and traditional horror. While “A Cure for Wellness” does include jump scares, it is the oppressive atmosphere and the slow unravelling of the narrative that incite discomfort. The film utilises a steady pacing that allows audiences to absorb the surreal nightmare unfurling before them, creating a sense of tension that feels relentless and inescapable.
However, while the film is rich in atmosphere and visual beauty, it does grapple with issues of pacing and narrative coherence. With a runtime of nearly two and a half hours, there are moments where the story becomes meandering, diluting some of the tension that had been expertly built. The plot twists and revelations, while unexpected, at times teeter towards absurdity, testing the audience’s suspension of disbelief.
The concluding act of the film, while ambitious in its intentions to tie together the complex narrative threads, may frustrate some viewers due to its intricacy. As the supernatural elements culminate in a frenetic and chaotic climax, the thematic clarity that structured the earlier portions of the film threatens to dissolve into ambiguity. Questions are left unanswered, and while ambiguity can be a tool for engagement, the conclusion risks alienating viewers who seek a more conclusive resolution.
Conclusion
“A Cure for Wellness” is a visual and thematic exploration of the darker aspects of wellness culture, combining elements of horror, psychological thriller, and surrealism. With stunning cinematography and strong performances, particularly from DeHaan and Goth, the film captures the audience in its twisted narrative. Despite its flaws in pacing and an occasionally convoluted story, the film achieves a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after watching.
For its beautiful visuals, rich themes, and compelling performances, I would give “A Cure for Wellness” a score of 7.5 out of 10. It is a film that might not resonate with everyone, yet it offers a thought-provoking dive into the intricacies of the human psyche and the societal fixation on wellness that begs questioning.
