Isabelle (2018)

Larissa and Matt move into a new home to prepare for the arrival of their baby. The next door neighbors, a mother and her disabled daughter, are very reclusive but the couple do their best to greet them. Larissa begins noticing the neighbors acting very strange, especially Isabelle. The film focuses on Larissa’s growing paranoia as Isabelle always can be seen staring at her through her bedroom window, rightfully unnerving. When Isabelle begins appearing inside the house with increasing malice Larissa’s mental state starts faltering. The couple attempt to find out what is going on and whether Larissa’s fears are truly just her nerves or something supernatural.

In most films involving paranormal events only one character ever experiences the lead is never believed or thought to be going mad. This film walks this line without fully diving into the trope. Matt thinks at first it is stress induced but realistically attempts to assist Larissa. He first asks the doctor for antidepressants, but as the events progress he tries to help with a priest then a spiritual advisor. Matt doesn’t outright dismiss her problems even if he doesn't fully believe her. He gives her chances to prove what she is seeing is real or not, actually acting like a concerned husband instead of turning his back on her as this trope tends to lead to.

The plot focuses primarily on Larissa experiences in the home letting us see what she sees. Occasionally, the perspective switches to Matt’s search for answers regarding his wife’s condition. The build up is solid and grows in intensity from just simple sounds to full apparitions and hallucinations which had meaning to what is going on. Throughout the film we are only given the perspectives of Matt and Larissa. This is why the reveal was a bit difficult to enjoy. The perspective shifted to that of Isabelle. This shift was never needed as we get the same reveal later on when the focus is on Matt. A small issue that felt like the creators didn’t feel the otherwise solid reveal was enough, so they added a second.

While the film has some minor issues, it hit many good notes. The movie creates some great creepy images and situations to build the paranoia Larissa is feeling. With minimal jump scares the tension was not let up allowing it to build to the breaking point. I look forward to the eventual release and will keep an eye on this film.   

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