On the surface, Malady is a film about the burgeoning relationship of a young couple, and the slow unravelling of the secrets that they both keep.
At its core though, Malady deals with themes of obsession, possession, and shame. It becomes a close and personal examination of how psychological baggage can drive any relationship to its breaking point.
The tight-in, held held shooting style lends the film a level of intimacy that can often border voyeuristic discomfort. This only serves to build a level of tension that, scene by scene, ratchets up to a finale wherein every single word uttered and every action made seems to have immense gravity and potential consequence.
No, it's probably not a date night film, but it's dark, it's weird, it's well constructed, and above all, it's thoughtful. It's an accomplished debut, and a real breath of fresh air for UK indie cinema.
At its core though, Malady deals with themes of obsession, possession, and shame. It becomes a close and personal examination of how psychological baggage can drive any relationship to its breaking point.
The tight-in, held held shooting style lends the film a level of intimacy that can often border voyeuristic discomfort. This only serves to build a level of tension that, scene by scene, ratchets up to a finale wherein every single word uttered and every action made seems to have immense gravity and potential consequence.
No, it's probably not a date night film, but it's dark, it's weird, it's well constructed, and above all, it's thoughtful. It's an accomplished debut, and a real breath of fresh air for UK indie cinema.