After hearing about “Both Eyes Open” in several film groups full of devoted moviegoers who couldn’t stop praising it as a psychological thriller with chilling undertones, I decided to watch it. The buzz made me even more excited to see it, as such films are right up my alley.
Into the Vortex
The film follows a young woman singularly focused on her own recovery, though the nature of what she’s recovering from remains deliberately vague. At first, it seems she has succeeded, but as the story unfolds, her progress slowly unravels. She finds herself haunted by an ominous presence—a shadowy antagonist lingering at the edge of her perception. This entity whispers to her, moving fluidly between light and darkness, threatening to undo all the healing she has fought for. The true nature of this figure is shrouded in ambiguity, leaving viewers to wonder whether it is a tangible threat or merely a manifestation of her troubled mind.
“You can’t escape your past.” This phrase lays the groundwork for the film’s exploration of ghosts—not just as supernatural beings, but as the lingering echoes of past experiences that continue to haunt us in various forms. The film effectively captures this real-world horror with a sense of authenticity that strikes a chord with viewers. While its message can be somewhat heavy-handed, it ultimately serves as a cautionary tale about empowerment and the struggle to move from victimhood—especially in the wake of trauma and the inability to recognize warning signs and red flags. The narrative is carefully divided into chapters, a cinematic technique used to map out the emotional and story arcs. While each chapter is intended to highlight a pivotal moment in the protagonist’s journey, this rigid structure sometimes lessens the emotional impact the film aims to deliver at these key points.
A Note on Performance and Thematic Presentation
The acting in the film is adequate, presenting performances that are serviceable but not particularly memorable. The premise, however, seems somewhat forced, creating a disruption in the narrative flow. Instead of allowing viewers to organically build their own understanding from the unfolding story, the film directs and dictates what we are meant to take away, detracting from a more personal engagement with the material.
This film is a well-intentioned effort to tackle the chilling and complex dynamics of relationships formed in the shadow of trauma—where abusive interactions are often disguised as something healthier. Despite this noble aim, the execution falters, lacking the seamless progression that allows the audience to become fully immersed in the narrative. The story feels disjointed and erratic, pulling viewers out of its world and preventing deep emotional involvement or a strong rooting interest in the characters’ journeys.
Hype Versus Execution
The film’s setup lacks substance, offering too little background to effectively build tension or provide meaningful depth. Instead, it plays like a series of isolated emotional moments that never quite connect into a cohesive whole. While the film is certainly watchable, it falls short of the polish and finesse needed to reach its full potential. As is often the case, well-intentioned projects can still fail to deliver on their initial promise, and that’s the situation here—the potential is evident, but the execution doesn’t measure up to the expectations. Credit is due to those who can recognize and promote such promise. For those curious to judge for themselves, “Both Eyes Open” is currently streaming on Starz.
Uncut Diamonds 