The Overlook: Shelley

(imdb.com)

Titled "The Overlook," these articles are meant to give more exposure to movies the nine readers I have may have overlooked (get it?).

From Rosemary's Baby onward, prenatal horror has developed much like the fetuses of their subgenre content. Seemingly ready to explode, pregnant mothers in horror have reached somewhat of a tipping point. Whereas years ago an occasional movie would have a woman facing her possibly doom at the hands of a questionable birth, now the prenatal ward seems overrun. Even movies who's focus is away from the pregnancy, like Annabelle, feature pregnant women fighting off an inside threat.
 

However, just like in any over-saturated subgenre, small gems might just peak through (see the addition of Train to Busan to the zombie one). This is the world where we find Shelley. Telling the story of a live-in maid named Elena who agrees to have her employers baby, Shelley is a slow, dreary burn. From its beginning moments, director Ali Abbassi showcases an innate ability for character development. That, paired with outstanding turns by the three leads- Ellen Dorri Peterson (Blind) as Louise, a heartbroken mother with issues,  Cosmina Stratan, (Dupa dealuri) as the maid Elena and Bjorn Andresen (Gentlemen) as the concerned husband with twisted intentions, all work well to captive viewers.

The resulting product is compelling. Sure Elena's employers are odd, but their intentions seem good and their hardships are difficult not to feel empathy for. Every character seems intimately woven to matter and they each begin loving enough, in fact, it's only when the oddities begin that the viewer is given any pause as to the couple. This is where the film turns it's attention and becomes less subtle. From a witch doctor with questionable credentials to the plethora of awkward stand offs between the two women, Shelley becomes quickly unsettling.

Shelly is sometimes lethargic - it's placid, woodsy backdrop and candlelit rooms could make a grown elephant sleepy, but that's part of what makes the movie so special. It's alluring and atmospheric setting makes settles you in, only to pull the rug from you at the film's climax.

Shelley is quiet, its subtle surroundings and rather peaceful landscapes provide a contradictory façade. It's setting working alongside the dark and bubbling plot, propelling Shelley past boredom.

It's currently on Netflix, so literally 98 percent of the world has no reason not to see it.