Watch Pharisee
- R
- 2018
- 1 hr 58 min
-
4.7 (48)
Pharisee is a psychological thriller released in 2018 that takes the viewer on a journey of a man's battle with his inner demons. Directed by Timothy Novotny, the movie stars James L. Edwards as a tormented and troubled man named John, Derek Talib as his confidante and friend Aaron, and Ron George as the mysterious Dr. Albright. The movie opens with John being released from a mental institution after a two-year stay. He is given strict instructions to take his medication and continue his therapy sessions with Dr. Albright. Despite his sincere attempts to lead a normal life, John seems to be haunted by his past, trying to make sense of the nightmares and hallucinations that plague him. His only solace is his friendship with Aaron, whom he confides in about his struggles.
As John struggles to hold onto his sanity, he slowly begins to unravel as the horrors of his past come back to haunt him. The more he tries to suppress his memories, the more vivid they become, driving him to the brink of madness. His increasingly erratic behavior puts his friendship with Aaron on thin ice, and the arrival of Dr. Albright further complicates matters.
Throughout the movie, John's nightmares are presented in a surreal manner, adding to the sense of disorientation and unease. The film makes heavy use of symbolism, with images of blood, crosses, and religious iconography, alluding to John's troubled relationship with his faith. The movie's moody score further contributes to the creepy and unsettling atmosphere and heightens the tension during key scenes.
As the movie progresses, the lines between reality and John's hallucinations blur, leaving the viewer unsure of what is happening. The film's ambiguous ending adds to the overall sense of mystery and unease and leaves the viewer with several questions to ponder. Despite the confusing and trippy nature of the movie, the story is gripping and keeps the viewer engaged throughout.
The movie is a showcase for James L. Edwards, who delivers a captivating and nuanced performance as John. His portrayal of a man breaking down under the weight of his traumatic past is both heart-wrenching and unnerving. Derek Talib and Ron George also deliver solid performances as John's only lifelines in a world that seems to be collapsing around him.
In conclusion, Pharisee is an intense and unsettling movie that delves deep into the psyche of a man battling his inner demons. Despite its confusing nature, the movie's haunting visuals, atmospheric score, and gripping performances make it a must-watch for fans of psychological horror.