Watch Alma's Secret
- NR
- 2016
- 1 hr 1 min
-
3.3 (52)
Alma's Secret is a thought-provoking drama from 2017 that explores the themes of mental illness, family dynamics, and the search for identity. The movie follows Alma (played by Alexandra Chelaru), a young woman struggling with depression and anxiety in the wake of her father's recent death. Alma's mother, played by Sam Centrella, is concerned for her daughter's welfare and urges her to seek help, but Alma remains reticent.
As the movie progresses, Alma's mental state deteriorates, and she begins to experience vivid hallucinations that blur the lines between reality and imagination. These hallucinations are depicted with stunning visual effects and highlight the surreal nature of Alma's struggles.
As Alma's mother becomes increasingly worried about her daughter's mental state, she enlists the help of a therapist named Dr. Crane, played by Maurice Kamhi. Dr. Crane tries to understand the root of Alma's problems and help her come to terms with the loss of her father.
However, Alma's issues are not just confined to her own mind. She also has to navigate complicated relationships with her family members, particularly her mother and her sister. Her sister, in particular, resents Alma's seeming privilege and success, causing tension between the two siblings.
Throughout the movie, Alma grapples with the question of who she is and what her purpose in life is. She feels adrift and uncertain, unable to find her place in the world. This struggle is mirrored in the movie's beautifully shot imagery, which frequently features Alma wandering through deserted landscapes, searching for a way forward.
Despite the weighty subject matter, Alma's Secret is not a hopeless movie. Its message is one of hope and perseverance, even in the face of extreme adversity. Ultimately, Alma finds the strength to confront her demons and move forward with her life, aided in large part by her own resilience and the support of her loved ones.
One of the most striking aspects of Alma's Secret is its masterful use of visuals to depict Alma's mental state. The movie is filled with dreamlike sequences and surreal imagery that perfectly capture the sensation of being lost in one's own mind. The camera work is also outstanding, with frequent use of close-ups and unusual angles to create a sense of intimacy with the characters.
The performances in Alma's Secret are equally strong. Alexandra Chelaru, in particular, delivers a nuanced and deeply affecting performance as Alma. She captures the character's pain and uncertainty with breathtaking precision, making Alma's journey all the more relatable.
All in all, Alma's Secret is a powerful and moving drama that explores important themes in a sensitive and thought-provoking way. Its look at mental illness and family dynamics is both insightful and affecting, and its emphasis on hope and perseverance makes it a must-see for anyone struggling with similar issues.
Alma's Secret is a 2016 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 1 minute. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.3.