Relicby Patti MartinsonReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Studio
Credits Grade: 8 Kay received a call from police; her mother, Edna, is missing. Kay rushes to her mother's home, with her daughter, Sam, in tow. Unable to find Edna in the house, Kay and Sam stay there, while police continue their search. Edna returns as mysteriously as she has disappeared and refuses or unable to account for her whereabouts. It' becomes clear that something is wrong with Grandma.While this is billed as something of a horror movie, there aren't any monsters or serial killers here. Edna herself is clearly disturbed, and so is the house itself. Black mold grows throughout the house and Edna bears marks of it. Edna's behavior frightens both Kay and Sam, and the situation does come to head. The entire movie is essentially a metaphor for Edna's state of mind, as Edna suffers from dementia. Initially appearing self-possessed, you see Edna slowly unravel. The house itself also creaks and groans, and at one point Sam finds herself trapped in some confusing corridors, trying to claw her way out. Edna persists in believing that something or someone is "out there", but her paranoia makes her turn on her daughter and granddaughter. Yet despite this, there are moments where we see the strong bonds between all the women. It is a testament to the actresses that they are able to convey the tenseness as well as love that can exist at the same time among family members, especially when one of them suffers from dementia. More psychological than true horror movie, this is strong movie with strong women and uncommon empathy. Written: January 16, 2021
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