Watch Angelica

Angelica is a period drama set in Victorian England, based on the novel of the same name by Arthur Phillips. The film stars Jena Malone in the titular role, alongside Janet McTeer and Ed Stoppard. Directed by Mitchell Lichtenstein, the film premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2015. The film follows the story of Constance Barton (played by McTeer), a devoted mother and wife, who has been bedridden for several years due to a difficult pregnancy. Her husband, Joseph (played by Stoppard), is a successful doctor who is unable to cure her ailment. In a desperate attempt to seek alternative remedies, Joseph invites Anne Montague (played by Malone), a spiritualist, into their home to attempt to cure Constance.

At first, Anne's presence in the Barton household seems to bring about positive changes – Constance's health improves, and she starts to regain her strength. However, as time goes on, strange occurrences begin to happen in the house. Anne becomes convinced that there are malevolent spirits present, and that they are targeting Constance. Constance, already struggling with her mental health, becomes increasingly frightened and paranoid, convinced that her family is in danger.

As tensions increase in the household, Joseph becomes increasingly remote, spending more and more time away from home. Constance's paranoia intensifies, and she becomes convinced that there is a supernatural force at work in their home. Meanwhile, Anne begins to unravel, haunted by her own troubled past and the strange occurrences that seem to be happening around her.

Angelica explores themes of spirituality, mental illness, and the dangers of obsession. The film is visually striking, with a moody, atmospheric tone that captures the dark undercurrents of Victorian England. The performances are strong across the board, with McTeer delivering a particularly standout turn as Constance, conveying both vulnerability and steely resolve.

One of the film's strengths is its use of subtle horror elements – there are no jump scares or overt gore, but instead, the film relies on a sense of creeping dread and unease. As the characters become more and more isolated, the tension mounts, making for a gripping and unsettling viewing experience.

The film's period setting is also noteworthy, with attention paid to historical details and the social mores of the time. The costumes and production design are exquisite, with each detail contributing to the film's immersive sense of time and place.

Overall, Angelica is a haunting and atmospheric period drama that explores complex themes with nuance and sensitivity. While not for every viewer, those who appreciate slow-burn horror and character-driven dramas are sure to find much to admire in this compelling and visually stunning film.

Angelica is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.9 and a MetaScore of 56.