Watch Scalene
- NR
- 2012
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5.9 (787)
Scalene is a 2011 psychological thriller film directed by Zachary Shedd. The movie follows the story of Janice Trimble (Margo Martindale), a single mother who is fully devoted to taking care of her disabled son, Isaac (Adam Scarimbolo). Janice's life takes a turn when she accuses her son's caretaker, Paige (Hanna Hall), of sexual assault.
The movie quickly establishes that the story is not as straightforward as it seems. It plays out in a non-linear fashion, with each scene adding a new detail to the narrative. What really makes the story interesting is the fact that it's told from three different perspectives: Janice's, Paige's, and Isaac's.
Janice's perspective is informed by her experience as a mother who is willing to do anything to protect her son. She is shown as caring, but also very controlling. It's clear that she has a complicated relationship with her son, especially because of his disability. Janice's character seems to be the most complex, as she appears to be both a victim and a predator.
Paige's perspective is shown through flashbacks, and it provides a glimpse into her own troubled past. She is portrayed as a young girl who makes bad decisions, but ultimately wants to do the right thing. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Paige and Isaac have a very close relationship. Paige tries to be a friend and a caretaker to Isaac, who is unable to communicate in a conventional way.
Isaac's perspective is perhaps the most intriguing. The movie heavily features his point of view, showing how he perceives the world around him. He is shown to be an intelligent, curious and resourceful boy, despite his disability. He is also very sensitive to the emotions of those around him. The audience gets a sense of the intense loneliness he feels, which makes his relationship with Paige all the more important.
Scalene does an excellent job of creating tension between the three main characters, each having their own motivations and beliefs. The film explores some deep themes of morality and the lengths people will go to when their loved ones are in danger. It also highlights the difficulties of caring for a disabled child, both emotionally and financially.
The performances in the movie are top-notch, with Margo Martindale in particular delivering a standout performance. Her portrayal of Janice is both unsettling and sympathetic, which adds to the ambiguity of the story. Hanna Hall, who plays Paige, is also very good, providing a contrast to Martindale's more restrained performance. Adam Scarimbolo, who plays Isaac, is excellent at conveying the character's emotions without using words.
The film's pacing is deliberate, with each reveal building on the previous one. The non-linear structure may be confusing at first, but it ultimately adds to the tension and the mystery of the story. The cinematography and score are also noteworthy, with excellent use of lighting and sound to create an eerie atmosphere.
Overall, Scalene is a thought-provoking and unsettling film that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled. It's a compelling look at the complexities of the human psyche, and the difficult choices that people make in order to protect their loved ones.
Scalene is a 2012 thriller. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9 and a MetaScore of 65.