Watch Perception

Perception is a 2018 psychological thriller film featuring Max Jenkins, Wes Ramsey, and Valerie Jane Parker. The story revolves around a man named Daniel North, who is a wealthy businessman suffering from paranoia and hallucinations. After an incident in his office building, Daniel seeks therapy sessions with a psychiatrist named Vanessa Turner to understand and control his visions.

The film starts with Daniel North standing on the edge of his office building, looking down at the busy streets below. He is having a panic attack, and his mind is taking him to a dark place. But before he could jump, he is interrupted by a co-worker. After this, he is seen fiercely working and his bravery at first appears to be a sign of power and control. But things change when he realizes his co-workers are out to get him.

Daniel is convinced that someone is out there to ruin his life and he has become the victim of a cruel conspiracy. Vanessa encourages him to explore his past and figure out why he is feeling the way he is. As Daniel delves deeper into his memories, he connects particular events to his deteriorating mental health. He realizes he needs to confront his demons, or his paranoia will consume him.

Vanessa's office is a sparse and modern setting, allowing the focus to be on the character's discussion. Their conversations are full of tension and reveal deep-seated issues that help bring to light the complexities of the film. The relationship between Vanessa and Daniel quickly becomes close as they work together to reveal the past that has caused Daniel's present state.

As the story unfolds, the audience starts to question the truth about Daniel's visions. Is he really suffering from hallucinations, or are his theories valid and were his colleagues really plotting against him? The film cleverly plays with the viewer's perception, and it becomes challenging to distinguish what is real and what is a product of Daniel's mental disorder.

The pacing of the film is slow, and the character's backstories are revealed in layers. The audience is never entirely sure of the truth until the very end. The music helps set the tone of the film with its eerie and unsettling effect.

Max Jenkins gives an outstanding performance as Daniel North; his portrayal of the man struggling with his sanity is nuanced and believable. Wes Ramsey as Vanessa Turner is also excellent; her calm and collected demeanor a perfect foil to Daniel's increasingly erratic behavior.

The visuals of the film reflect the complicated and layered nature of the story. The cinematography is crisp and precise, with sharp lines and intense close-ups. The setting is artfully designed, with minimalistic sets that help to enhance the tension and focus attention on the characters.

Overall, Perception is an impressive psychological thriller that uses its slow pace and a series of cleverly crafted scenes to explore the struggles of a man faced with his delusions. The tension is constant, and there's always a sense of unease lurking just beneath the surface.

Through exploring Daniel's mental state, the film raises provocative questions about perception, and to what extent is reality shaped by one's beliefs. It's a thought-provoking film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Perception is a 2019 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.0.