Lilith
Lilith

Lilith

1964Movie114 minEnglish

Vincent Bruce, a war veteran, begins working as an occupational therapist at Poplar Lodge, a private psychiatric facility for wealthy people where he meets Lilith Arthur, a charming young woman suffering from schizophrenia, whose fragile beauty captivates all who meet her.

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IMDb6.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes40%
Google Users65%
Director: Robert RossenGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

A deeply troubled and beautiful young woman, Lilith, is admitted to a psychiatric institution. A guilt-ridden veteran, Stephen, becomes fascinated with her, believing he can heal her. As their relationship deepens, Stephen finds himself drawn into Lilith's complex and disturbing world, blurring the lines between love, obsession, and madness. The film explores themes of mental illness, faith, and the destructive power of intense emotional connection.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'Lilith' received a mixed critical reception. While some critics praised its ambitious themes and Seberg's performance, others found its psychological depth unsettling and its narrative challenging. The film was not a commercial success, but it has since gained a cult following for its unique portrayal of mental illness and its melancholic atmosphere.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for Jean Seberg's haunting performance and the film's atmospheric direction.
  • Criticized for its bleak tone and sometimes opaque psychological exploration.
  • Considered an unconventional and challenging drama that explores the complexities of mental health.

Google audience: Audiences found the film to be a deeply unsettling and thought-provoking experience, with many commending Jean Seberg's performance. However, some viewers struggled with the movie's dark themes and ambiguous narrative, finding it emotionally draining.

Fun Fact

Director Robert Rossen, known for his gritty dramas, was drawn to 'Lilith' because of its unconventional subject matter and its exploration of psychological disintegration.

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