Title: She Will (2021)
Synopsis
“She Will” is a psychological horror film directed by the Canadian filmmaker Charlotte Colbert. The film weaves a haunting narrative centred around Veronica, a woman who has recently undergone a mastectomy. Seeking solace and healing, she retreats to a secluded Scottish estate with her nurse, Desi, where she begins to confront the trauma of her past while inadvertently delving into the sinister history of the land. As Veronica settles into her new surroundings, she experiences vivid hallucinations and unsettling encounters that blend reality with visions from another time, intertwining her personal grief with the spectral remnants of an ancient female figure connected to the estate.
The premises of healing and mourning are central to “She Will,” exploring themes of misogyny, womanhood, and empowerment. As Veronica’s journey unfolds, she grapples with her identity and autonomy, confronting both her present suffering and the repressed horrors that echo through time. The film cleverly juxtaposes her physical healing with the psychological wounds inflicted by societal expectations, revealing a deeper connection between her trauma and the historical context of the place she inhabits.
List of Actors and Their Characters
- Alice Krige as Veronica
- Kumiko Koyama as Desi
- Rupert Everett as the Man
- Ailsa Binnie as Angela
- Iain McElhinney as the Priest
- Sophia Howes as the Young Woman
- Ian Peters as the Doctor
- Thea Gilmore as the Singer
Review
“She Will” is a film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll, an intimate and probing exploration of the female psyche intertwined with elements of supernatural horror. Director Charlotte Colbert crafts a visually stunning atmosphere filled with an ethereal quality that enhances the deep emotional currents beneath Veronica’s journey. From the onset, the film carefully builds a sense of dread that mirrors the protagonist’s inner turmoil, effectively blurring the lines between the psychological and the supernatural.
Alice Krige’s portrayal of Veronica is nothing short of extraordinary. She embodies a character grappling with her sense of self in the wake of a life-altering surgery, layering her performance with fragility, resilience, and an aching vulnerability. Veronica’s physical scars are emblematic of her emotional wounds, making her character relatable to anyone who has ever had to confront trauma. Krige’s nuanced performance poignantly conveys every nuance of fear, anger, and ultimately, empowerment.
The supporting cast, particularly Kumiko Koyama as Desi, adds depth to the storyline. Desi represents a lifeline for Veronica, a caretaker who facilitates her healing journey while grappling with her own sense of purpose and presence in this haunting landscape. Their relationship serves as a critical anchor in the film, illustrating the importance of companionship in times of vulnerability. The dynamic between these two women further underlines key themes of solidarity and the shared female experience.
One of the film’s most captivating aspects is how it handles the horror genre. Rather than relying on jump scares or gratuitous violence, “She Will” opts for a more cerebral approach, allowing psychological tension to build organically. The slow-paced narrative is surprisingly effective, punctuated by moments of chilling ambiguity that speak to the fears rooted in societal pressures on women. Colbert effectively utilises shadow and sound to create foreboding sequences that heighten the suspense, making each apparition Veronica encounters feel deeply personal and evocative.
Furthermore, the film’s cinematography, helmed by collaborative work from various talented artists, is striking. The moody landscapes of the Scottish countryside serve not only as a backdrop but also as a character in their own right. The ancient trees and darkened skies contribute to an atmosphere of decay and mystique, solidifying the sense of entrapment Veronica experiences as she confronts the ghosts of both her past and the land’s history. The use of natural light and saturated colours enhances the otherworldly feel, and the visuals are frequently haunting.
The thematic exploration of womanhood is where “She Will” truly shines. The title itself hints at a deeper invocation of female strength and defiance against prevailing patriarchal narratives. Throughout the film, there are echoes of the historical oppression of women, specifically in relation to bodily autonomy and societal expectations. Veronica’s experiences reveal the insidious nature of misogyny, as her psychic encounters connect her to the struggles of women who have come before her, transforming her pain into a vehicle for reclamation.
The film does take its time to unfold, and some may find its pacing slow. However, this deliberate approach allows for a more immersive experience in the emotional landscape of the characters. The dreamlike quality creates a sense of lingering dread that often accompanies personal trauma, making viewers reflect on the intricacies of healing from both physical and psychological scars.
Yet, despite its remarkable performances and striking cinematography, “She Will” is not without its complexities. The narrative can meander at times, and certain plot points may leave audiences pondering their significance. There is a reliance on allegory and symbolism that can give rise to varying interpretations, and while this allows for rich discussions after viewing, it may create a chasm between viewers who appreciate the abstract and those seeking more straightforward narratives.
Nevertheless, the empowerment resonating in the film’s conclusion is poignant. Veronica emerges stronger, embracing her identity beyond the confines of victimhood. In an environment steeped in the weight of history, she carves out a space for herself, symbolising the reclamation of agency so often denied to women throughout history. The final sequences are both haunting and liberating, evoking a profound sense of catharsis.
In conclusion, “She Will” is a unique contribution to the psychological horror genre, melding themes of trauma, healing, and womanhood through a supernatural lens. Charlotte Colbert’s directorial vision is ambitious, and she excels in character-driven storytelling that prioritises emotional resonance over conventional horror tropes. Supported by powerful performances, particularly from Alice Krige, the film encapsulates the complexities of femininity in a world laden with expectations and historical restrictions. While its pacing may not be to everyone’s taste, the film’s haunting imagery and profound narrative ensure that “She Will” lingers in the psyche, challenging viewers to confront their perceptions of strength in vulnerability.
Score: 8.5/10
