Relic (2020)

Director: Natalie Erika James

Starring: Robyn Nevin, Emily Mortimer, Bella Heathcote

A daughter, mother and grandmother are haunted by a manifestation of dementia that consumes their family’s home.

This Australian horror never ceased to amaze me. The film started off very mysterious and rather spooky. As with so many horror films, I expected the mystery to subside by the second act, but it remained mysterious and creepy for the entire movie. It’s been a while since I’ve experienced a movie like this.

Kay is asked to check up on her mother, Edna, who lives alone in a big house in the countryside, and haven’t been seen in a few days. Kay’s daughter, Sam, accompanies her. From the onset it is clear things are not what they seem. When Edna suddenly reappears, things get even creepier and more mysterious. Robyn Nevin is fantastic as Edna. Edna clearly has dementia, but there’s something far more sinister going on … or is there?

Bloody hell, this film was so much better than expected. Some moments – especially during the final act – will have you cringe in your seat. The effects were never over the top, but ever so effective. Wow, this was good – and also somewhat disturbing. Great ending!

‘Relic’ received 28 award nominations, wining 5 – including Best Horror Movie and Best Feature Film. Among others, it received nominations for Best Supporting Actress (Robyn Nevin, off course, and Bella Heathcote), Best Direction, Best Score, Best Sound, Best Hair and Makeup, Best Screenplay.

Would I watch it again? Yes.