An Optical Illusion
An Optical Illusion

Movie spotlight

An Optical Illusion

2021
Movie
78 min
Spanish

A couple from Burgos, Alfredo and Teresa, travel to New York where they intend to “switch off” and do all of the things listed in the guidebook. But the moment they land, they start to notice signs, some subtle and others rather less so, that in fact they’re not in the city sold to them by the travel agency. So where are they?

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes72%
Metacritic60/100
Google Users78%
Director: Sasha NelsonGenres: Drama, Thriller, Mystery

Plot Summary

A young artist, haunted by a childhood trauma, moves to a secluded cabin to find inspiration. As she delves deeper into her work, she begins to question her own sanity as strange occurrences and unsettling visions plague her. The lines between reality and her disturbed imagination blur, leading her to uncover a dark secret about the cabin's past.

Critical Reception

An Optical Illusion received a mixed to positive reception, with critics praising its atmospheric tension and lead performance, while some found the plot predictable. Audiences were generally captivated by its suspenseful nature and psychological depth.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its unsettling atmosphere and suspenseful build-up.

  • The lead performance is often cited as a strong point, carrying the emotional weight of the film.

  • Some critics noted a somewhat conventional plot progression in the latter half.

Google audience: Google users largely appreciated the film's thrilling plot and the performance of its lead actress, finding it to be a suspenseful and engaging watch. Some viewers, however, felt the mystery's resolution could have been more surprising.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for 'Best Cinematography' at the Independent Film Festival Awards.

Fun Fact

The director, Sasha Nelson, intentionally used specific color palettes and lighting techniques throughout the film to subtly reflect the protagonist's deteriorating mental state.

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