Aura ( 2018 )

Unraveling the Enigma: An In-Depth Analysis of Aura (2018)

Aura, a 2018 psychological thriller, directed by Elise Bauman and starring Vanessa Smythe, presents a compelling exploration of trauma, perception, and the unreliable nature of reality. While perhaps not achieving mainstream recognition, this indie film offers a richly layered narrative, deserving of deeper scrutiny. This article delves into the various aspects of Aura, examining its plot, characters, themes, cinematography, and overall impact, aiming to understand its strengths and weaknesses.

Plot Synopsis

Aura (Vanessa Smythe) is a young woman struggling with debilitating anxiety and panic attacks stemming from a past trauma. Seeking solace and a fresh start, she moves into a seemingly idyllic apartment. However, the serenity is short-lived as strange occurrences begin to plague her. She experiences vivid nightmares, unsettling sounds, and the unsettling feeling of being watched. As Aura delves deeper into the apartment's history, she uncovers a web of secrets and begins to question her own sanity. Is she truly experiencing paranormal activity, or is her past trauma manifesting in increasingly disturbing ways? The film skillfully blurs the lines between the supernatural and the psychological, leaving the audience constantly guessing until the very end.

Character Analysis

Aura's strength lies in its nuanced portrayal of its characters, particularly its protagonist. Let's examine the key figures:

Aura (Vanessa Smythe)

Aura is the central figure of the film, and her performance is pivotal to its success. Smythe delivers a compelling performance, conveying Aura's vulnerability, fear, and increasing desperation with remarkable authenticity. Aura is a complex character, burdened by her past trauma and struggling to maintain a grip on reality. Her anxiety and panic attacks are not merely plot devices but integral aspects of her personality, shaping her perceptions and actions. The audience empathizes with her plight, rooting for her to overcome her challenges and uncover the truth.

Liam (Shane Marriott)

Liam is Aura's potential love interest and neighbor. He represents a source of support and stability in Aura's increasingly chaotic world. However, his motives remain ambiguous throughout the film, leaving the audience questioning his true intentions. Marriott portrays Liam with a subtle charm that keeps the viewer guessing about his role in the unfolding mystery.

Sarah (Michele Nolden)

Sarah is the landlady of the apartment building, and she adds another layer of intrigue to the story. Her evasiveness and reluctance to discuss the building's history further fuel Aura's suspicions and the audience's sense of unease. Nolden's performance is understated yet effective, creating a character that is both enigmatic and unsettling.

Themes Explored

Aura explores several compelling themes that resonate with contemporary audiences:

Trauma and its Aftermath

The film's central theme revolves around the lasting impact of trauma on an individual's psyche. Aura's past trauma serves as the catalyst for the events that unfold, blurring the lines between reality and hallucination. The film highlights the difficulty of processing and overcoming traumatic experiences, showcasing the long-term effects on mental health and well-being.

The Unreliable Narrator

Aura's mental state is constantly called into question, making her an unreliable narrator. The audience is never entirely sure whether what she is experiencing is real or a product of her own anxieties and fears. This ambiguity creates a sense of suspense and keeps the viewer engaged, constantly questioning the nature of reality.

Isolation and Loneliness

Aura's isolation and loneliness contribute to her vulnerability and exacerbate her mental state. Her move to a new city and her lack of close relationships leave her feeling isolated and alone, making her more susceptible to the unsettling events that she experiences.

The Power of Perception

Aura emphasizes the subjective nature of perception and how our experiences can shape our understanding of reality. Aura's trauma distorts her perception, making it difficult for her to distinguish between what is real and what is imagined. The film challenges the audience to consider the power of perception and how it can influence our interpretation of events.

Cinematography and Atmosphere

The film's cinematography plays a crucial role in creating its unsettling atmosphere. The use of low lighting, close-up shots, and unsettling camera angles contributes to the sense of unease and paranoia. The apartment itself becomes a character, its dimly lit corridors and claustrophobic spaces reflecting Aura's internal turmoil.

The sound design is equally effective in creating a sense of dread. Creaking floors, whispering voices, and sudden bursts of noise heighten the tension and amplify Aura's fear. The film skillfully utilizes sound to create a psychological horror experience that relies more on atmosphere and suggestion than on jump scares.

Strengths and Weaknesses

While Aura is a compelling and thought-provoking film, it is not without its flaws. Let's examine its strengths and weaknesses:

Strengths

• Compelling Performances: Vanessa Smythe delivers a standout performance as Aura, bringing depth and nuance to the character. The supporting cast also delivers strong performances, adding to the film's overall credibility.
• Atmospheric Setting: The film's setting, particularly the apartment, is effectively used to create a sense of unease and paranoia. The cinematography and sound design contribute to the unsettling atmosphere.
• Thought-Provoking Themes: Aura explores complex themes such as trauma, perception, and isolation, prompting viewers to reflect on their own experiences and perspectives.
• Ambiguous Narrative: The film's ambiguous narrative keeps the audience engaged and guessing until the very end. The blurring of lines between reality and hallucination creates a sense of suspense and intrigue.

Weaknesses

• Pacing Issues: The film's pacing can be slow at times, which may deter some viewers. The slow burn approach, while effective in building suspense, may not appeal to those seeking a more fast-paced thriller.
• Predictable Elements: While the film's overall narrative is intriguing, some of the plot elements may feel predictable to viewers familiar with the psychological thriller genre.
• Limited Budget Constraints: As an independent film, Aura may suffer from budget constraints, which are noticeable in certain aspects of the production, such as the visual effects.

Impact and Reception

Aura, being an independent film, did not achieve widespread commercial success. However, it received positive reviews from critics and audiences who appreciated its psychological depth and atmospheric storytelling. The film was praised for its strong performances, particularly Vanessa Smythe's portrayal of Aura, and its exploration of complex themes.

While Aura may not be a household name, it has garnered a dedicated following among fans of psychological thrillers and independent cinema. The film's thought-provoking themes and unsettling atmosphere continue to resonate with audiences who appreciate its unique perspective on trauma and mental health.

Comparative Analysis

To better understand Aura's place within the cinematic landscape, let's compare it to other films that explore similar themes:

Rosemary's Baby (1968): Like Aura, Rosemary's Baby explores themes of paranoia, isolation, and the questioning of reality. Both films feature protagonists who are isolated and vulnerable, leading them to question their sanity and the motives of those around them. However, Rosemary's Baby delves more explicitly into supernatural horror, while Aura maintains a greater emphasis on psychological realism.

The Babadook (2014): The Babadook, like Aura, uses the horror genre to explore the themes of grief, trauma, and mental illness. Both films feature protagonists who are struggling to cope with past traumas and who are haunted by their inner demons. However, The Babadook uses a more overt metaphor of a monster to represent these internal struggles, while Aura maintains a more ambiguous and nuanced approach.

Repulsion (1965): Repulsion is a classic psychological horror film that explores the descent into madness of a young woman who is isolated and traumatized. Like Aura, Repulsion features a protagonist who is unreliable and whose perception of reality is distorted by her mental state. However, Repulsion takes a more experimental and surreal approach, while Aura maintains a more grounded and realistic tone.

Summary Table: Comparative Analysis

Technical Details Table

Conclusion

Aura (2018) is a compelling and thought-provoking psychological thriller that deserves greater recognition. While it may not be a perfect film, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. The film's strong performances, atmospheric setting, and exploration of complex themes make it a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre. Aura's ambiguous narrative and its focus on the subjective nature of perception create a sense of unease and intrigue that lingers long after the credits roll. Ultimately, Aura is a film that challenges viewers to question their own perceptions of reality and to consider the lasting impact of trauma on the human psyche.