Blank (2022)
Rating: ★★★★☆
Blank (2022) is a thought-provoking sci-fi thriller directed by Natalie Kennedy that keeps you guessing until the very end. The film follows Claire (played by Rachel Shelley), a writer who, overwhelmed by personal and professional struggles, retreats to a secluded location to finish her latest book. What starts as a peaceful escape soon turns into a chilling journey when Claire begins to experience a series of strange, unexplainable occurrences that make her question the very fabric of her reality.
From the start, the film builds an eerie atmosphere that blends psychological tension with elements of science fiction. Claire’s retreat, which was meant to be a sanctuary for creativity, quickly becomes a claustrophobic nightmare. As she uncovers cryptic clues and encounters unsettling events, the line between what is real and what is not becomes increasingly blurred. The narrative plays with the concept of perception, making the audience question what Claire is truly experiencing versus what might be a product of her troubled mind.
Rachel Shelley delivers a strong performance as Claire, capturing the character’s emotional vulnerability and growing paranoia as she grapples with her deteriorating mental state. Her portrayal of a woman unraveling under the weight of her own mind is compelling and adds depth to the psychological tension of the film. The supporting characters are intriguing, adding layers to the mystery, though the film wisely keeps them enigmatic, allowing the focus to remain on Claire’s unraveling journey.