Watch Subterranea

Subterranea is a psychological drama that takes the viewers on a journey of self-discovery with its lead character, the Nameless Man, who has been living in isolation for over thirty years in a basement bunker since his birth. The movie directed by Mathew Miller and written by Motke Dapp explores the effect of social isolation, religious and societal indoctrination, and the quest for self-discovery.

The movie starts slow, and the viewers are introduced to the Nameless Man, who is never named throughout the film. He is played by Bug Hall and is a character that comes off as disturbing, intriguing and sympathetic. The story is told in flashbacks, and the audience is slowly presented with the events that led to The Nameless Man's isolation. It is revealed that his mother abandoned him at birth and left him in the care of his religiously devout, abusive, and mentally unstable father, The Preacher, played by William Katt.

The Preacher, who raised The Nameless Man in a basement bunker, indoctrinated him with his religious beliefs and did not allow him any contact with the outside world. When The Nameless Man turns thirty, he is suddenly released into society and is thrown into a world that is new to him. He struggles to interact with others, is haunted by his past and is continuously questioning his beliefs.

Through chance encounters, he meets the love of his life, Lily played by Lily Gladstone, who is a kindred spirit that understands his struggles and initiates him into the ways of the world. Another chance encounter introduces him to a rock musician, played by Nicholas Turturro, who becomes his friend and helps him discover his passion for music.

The story has a slow pace and can be confusing at times, but the excellent cinematography and ambient soundtrack create a mood that sets the stage for the Nameless Man's descent into madness, his eventual redemption, and self-discovery. The movie's exploration of religious indoctrination, social isolation, and mental instability leaves a lasting impression on the viewers and is echoed in the lead character's struggles throughout the movie.

The movie is well written and well-acted, with Bug Hall's portrayal of the Nameless Man being the standout performance. The performance is nuanced, with the character slowly transforming from a scared and confused individual to a confident and self-aware person. The other cast members also gave solid performances, with Lily Gladstone's portrayal of Lily bringing a warm and understanding character that helps the Nameless Man through his struggles.

Subterranea is not a movie for everyone, and it does require patience and an open mind to truly appreciate its message. The film may not have the typical Hollywood flare or action scenes, but it is a refreshing break from the usual fare and an introspective look at the human condition. It is a movie that will stay with the audience long after the credits roll and a great addition to anyone's indie movie collection.

Subterranea is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.9.