The number of movies released was affected by COVID-19 in 2020, yet the horror genre seemed largely unaffected. While quality is always a matter of personal taste, I found this year to have examples representing every possible level of filmmaking. I’ve seen some truly terrible horror films (like *Fantasy Island*, *The Grudge*, *The Turning*, and *You Should Have Left*), others that felt like missed opportunities (*Gretel & Hansel*, *The Rental*, *The New Mutants*), a few that were quite good (*Underwater*, *Antebellum*, *Come Play*), and even several truly excellent films, some of which might make my Top 10 for the year (*The Invisible Man*, *The Lodge*). I wasn’t familiar with *Relic* going in, but the premise intrigued me. This is Natalie Erika James's first feature film as a director and her debut screenplay, co-written by fellow newcomer Christian White. Despite having a relatively unknown cast (at least to me), I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Ambiguous horror movies that explore deeper themes aren’t usually popular; they often have drawbacks that typical moviegoers dislike: a slow pace, suspenseful moments without traditional scares, and an ending that feels incomplete or lacks explanation, leaving viewers feeling unsatisfied. However, this is exactly the kind of film I appreciate, especially when it connects with me emotionally. It has all those elements that usually lead people to think "this doesn't make sense; it’s so boring." Many viewers will expect a standard spooky, supernatural psychological horror movie and will be disappointed. But the narrative contains much more than what appears on the surface, and this becomes clear fairly early on. At its core, *Relic* offers a realistic portrayal of what can happen to older members of families (sadly, often more than it should), and it tackles sensitive issues like dementia and the abandonment of elderly people in nursing homes. Natalie and Christian’s screenplay doesn't shy away from addressing these difficult topics. Dementia is a devastating illness that robs people of their individuality, their humanity, and even their memories. If our parents care for us during our childhood, it’s only right that we care for them when they begin to need assistance. We should do this not just because they did the same for us, but also with the understanding that someday, our own descendants might face a similar situation – a cycle of life. Love should always be present, regardless of circumstances. I want to share a small piece of my personal experience: my grandfather wasn’t at his best toward the end. He gradually lost his ability to drive, walk, and eventually speak. To protect my memories of him, I chose to see him less frequently during those final weeks, because I didn't want to remember him as he was in that state – lying in bed at a nursing home, waiting for his time to come. It’s a personal detail I share so you can understand how *Relic* can resonate with many viewers if they approach it with the right expectations. The acting is superb across the board. Robyn Nevin delivers a frightening performance as the grandmother Edna, but ultimately, she's the emotional trigger that brought tears to my eyes. There are subtle nuances in her expressions that elevate her portrayal. Emily Mortimer also excels as Kay, the mother who must navigate all stages of dealing with a parent suffering from dementia—from rejection and separation to acceptance and unconditional love. Kay is the character who receives the most focus. Bella Heathcote may have less screen time than the other two actresses, but she’s also excellent as Sam, particularly during the horror sequences. However, this last point is where the film falters somewhat. The atmosphere of the house is incredibly suspenseful, but the third act introduces an unexpected level of horror that feels excessive. The balance between horror and family drama was generally well-maintained throughout the first two acts, with only brief interruptions, but the final twenty minutes take a wildly over-the-top, eerie, and unrealistic turn that ultimately undermines that near-perfect balance. It’s as if someone told the producers “we need more horror,” so they filmed a series of bizarre, reality-bending scenes. This movie didn't require any of that; it should have remained focused on the intriguing drama instead of forcing in disturbing horror elements. Technically, Charlie Sarroff’s cinematography is outstanding. With the help of Denise Haratzi and Sean Lahiff’s editing, long takes effectively build suspense leading up to the scary moments, creating exceptional tension. Brian Reitzell's score is interesting, although there’s a point where it feels somewhat out of place given what’s happening on screen; however, this doesn’t detract from his overall work. The pacing is well-controlled, the runtime is appropriate, and the ending is beautiful, heartfelt, and relevant—though some viewers might not be able to see past the seemingly underwhelming climax. Overall, *Relic* is one of those horror films that will likely divide critics and audiences worldwide. Disappointment can only arise from unrealistic expectations. Natalie Erika James’s directorial debut is far from a generic horror movie; it's a family drama centered around a very sensitive issue. With the help of Christian White, also making his debut, they deliver an exceptionally well-written, genuinely sad yet realistic story about dementia and how elderly people are often treated when they can no longer care for themselves. A remarkably ambiguous narrative filled with underlying themes leads to an emotionally powerful ending if viewers are open to understanding the implicit messages woven throughout the film. Emily Mortimer, Robyn Nevin, and Bella Heathcote all deliver outstanding performances. Technically, the lingering cinematography combined with seamless editing creates a wonderfully suspenseful atmosphere. However, the third act veers too far into horror, featuring unnecessary sequences that only ruin the film’s tone and raise questions that don't belong. Nevertheless, I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who enjoys this type of film—just be sure to manage your expectations accordingly. Rating: B+

Source on TMDB