Watch The Holly Kane Experiment

The Holly Kane Experiment is a 2017 British psychological thriller that tells the story of Dr. Holly Kane (Kirsty Averton), a neuroscientist who conducts a series of controversial experiments to test the limits of human consciousness. As the film opens, we meet Holly as she defends her work before a skeptical panel of academics at a conference in California. She argues that by manipulating the brain's neural pathways, she can essentially control the thoughts and actions of her subjects, thereby unlocking the secrets of the mind.

Despite the panel's objections, Holly is undeterred and continues her work back in the UK, where she recruits a small group of volunteers to participate in her latest trial. Among them is Dennis Macintyre (Nicky Henson), a wealthy businessman with a troubled past, and Terry McAllister (James Rose), a young man with a history of drug addiction.

As the experiment unfolds, we see Holly using a combination of hypnosis, subliminal messaging, and other techniques to probe the depths of her subjects' psyches. At first, the results seem promising, as Dennis and Terry both experience vivid hallucinations and strange, unexplainable impulses. But as the experiment continues, Holly's methods grow increasingly dangerous and unpredictable, leading to a series of shocking betrayals and revelations that threaten to destroy everything she has worked for.

Central to the film's narrative is the complex relationship between Holly and Dennis, who becomes her most devoted subject and de facto partner in the experiment. Despite his reservations, Dennis is drawn to Holly's charisma and intellect, and begins to trust her implicitly as she delves deeper into his mind. But as he begins to uncover the darker motivations behind her work, he realizes that he may have put himself in grave danger.

Throughout the film, director Tom Sands employs a moody, atmospheric style that keeps the audience on edge, never quite sure what is real and what is the product of Holly's experiments. The film is shot largely in muted colors, juxtaposing clinical, sterile laboratory environments with the dark, twisted psyche of its protagonist. There are several standout scenes that take full advantage of the film's premise, including a tense confrontation between Holly and Dennis in a cramped hotel room, and a harrowing sequence in which Holly subjects Terry to a grueling mind-control exercise.

One of the film's strongest elements is the performance of Kirsty Averton as Holly Kane. Averton brings a magnetic, almost hypnotic quality to the role, making Holly simultaneously sympathetic and terrifying. It is the character of Holly that anchors the film, providing a fascinating, multifaceted exploration of the ethics and limits of scientific experimentation. It is evident that Sands has a great interest in the subject matter, as the film incorporates themes of free will, mental illness, and power dynamics.

Another notable aspect of the film is its clever use of sound design and musical score. Composer Steve Severin (formerly of Siouxsie and the Banshees) creates a haunting, ambient soundtrack that blends seamlessly with the film's visuals, heightening the sense of unease and uncertainty. In several key moments, the sound design takes on a prominent role, emphasizing the disorienting effects of Holly's experiments.

Overall, The Holly Kane Experiment is a smart, tense thriller that explores complex ethical and psychological territory. With strong performances, stylish direction, and thought-provoking themes, it represents a compelling addition to the genre of mind-bending psychological dramas.

The Holly Kane Experiment is a 2017 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 4.2.