Regression (2015)

Satanic cults and dream-like sequences

By: JWBM

Hoyer, Minnesota: 1990. A father walks into the local police station claiming "he did it" and that "his daughter never lies" to the chief and lead detective. He's not exactly father of the year material, but his memory is a little fuzzy to say the least. His confession is related to an accusation his daughter made recently about being raped. She's shaken up enough to stay at the local church under the wing of the town priest till her dark and disturbing allegations come to light. This makes for a complex story that goes deeper and gets stranger as the more time presses on. It presents an "inspired by real events" scenario of satanic ritual abuse in the modern day that's linked to what happened. What you're about to see and experience took a town and part of a nation by storm reminiscent to the real-life—though controversial—book "Michelle Remembers" from 1980.

I have to admit, describing this movie in a general sense is going to come across as cartoonish. It's a story that's a tough sell in that it needs to be expanded on, rather than briefly summarized. However, talking around spoilers is another feat in itself. If you step back and take an overview, it's essentially what hysteria looks like. It's what separates the rational from the irrational. It's where facts start to fade and gaps are filled with loose interpretations and in-the-moment perceptions. The story has concrete aspects to it, no doubt, but it also has some abstract ideas as well that are better left played out like you were there yourself. That's the power of the direction here from Alejandro Amenábar ("The Others," "Open Your Eyes"). It could have easily fumbled out of the gate, or had your eyes rolling before the timer went off for the popcorn in the microwave. Though it managed to put you in the moment by moment to see what they see, and feel what they feel. Something like this doesn't happen in an instant, but in a series of instances.

This is mainly a crime-mystery with remnants of drama and shreds of horror. It presents itself as a who-dunnit with a snappy pacing: like you slowly pressed a hot poker to step up the heat. The revelations and situations come one after the other, and increasingly more paranoid and helter-skelter as it steps up the level of tension. There's aspects of crime, religion, and psychology that are mixed into a chaotic and ambiguous reality. It uses these unique flash backs and dream sequences that come across as downright chilling and creepy. The funny part is they feel more effective than outright horror movies that are actually trying to be scary. The amount of emotional uproar at times from the cast here concerning the confusing and conflicting circumstances lends credence to it all. From Ethan Hawke's transformation as the lead detective; to the grief-stricken and tormented dad; and even the son and his inexplicable denial and anger.

"Regression" is a tale that causes the mind to spiral out of control from the seemingly impossible and illogical. 'Could this all be happening right under our noses?' Our brain tries to rationalize through bits and pieces of evidence and stimuli: whether that be from the sensationalist media reports on TV; to how someone interpreted a trauma in an interview; to just a simple stare from a stranger in public, or a phone call with no one on the other end of the line. It keeps you on your toes and guessing as a viewer. There's no shortage. However, for a portion of the film, it gets to be a little bewildering and ungrounded at points in how ambiguous the tone is, along with the amount of subjects and circumstances thrown at you. It took me two different viewings to get my review straight. It presents a double-edged sword. You get plenty of grab-you-by-the-collar-of-your-shirt atmosphere and great performances out of the actors as a result, but you're somewhat grasping at the air at times till it decides to suddenly switch gears and wrap up its loose ends in a more stream-lined approach.

If you're looking for something to not only distract your mind but to make the heart race with some memorable, out-there moments, then this might be up your alley.

Rating: 7.5/10

Director: Alejandro Amenábar ("Thesis," "The Sea Inside," "Agora")
Actors: Ethan Hawke, Emma Watson, David Thewlis, David Dencik
Info: IMDB link
Trailer: Youtube link

Additional info: The book in this story, "In Satan's Name," feels like an inspiration from the real life book "Michelle Remembers" that details a young woman's account of satanic ritual abuse.