Halle Berry stars as a doctor working in a mental institution/prison. She is accused of killing her husband, though she apparently blacked out at the time of his death. She must try to figure out what really happened to him, all while her former colleagues and patients think that she is both guilty and insane. Matters become worse when she starts seeing a ghost - is she really crazy, is it the meds they're giving her, or is it actually real?
I've read mixed reviews on Gothika - people seem to really like it or really hate it. After seeing it, I understand why. As a horror movie, it is excellent. One of the scariest I've ever seen. Halle Berry is no mere "scream queen" - she really makes you feel her paranoia, desperation, and sheer terror right along with her. She does this without describing her emotions or fears - you can just see it in her eyes. Without giving any spoilers, it's also important to note that the treatment of the "ghost" aspects - both with story and effects - really add to the overall "spookiness" of this film. But I think some people viewed it more as a murder mystery. When I discovered all of the details surrounding the murder toward the end of the movie, some of it surprised me, but most did not. If you view this film as a "whodunit," you'll probably be a little disappointed by the ending. And yes, there are one or two questionable plot holes which I don't want to discuss because I don't like including spoilers in my comments.
So my final verdict? GO SEE IT! It will scare you, entertain you, and keep you wondering what's going to happen next. Just don't expect it to end like the Sixth Sense. My rating is 8/10.
I've read mixed reviews on Gothika - people seem to really like it or really hate it. After seeing it, I understand why. As a horror movie, it is excellent. One of the scariest I've ever seen. Halle Berry is no mere "scream queen" - she really makes you feel her paranoia, desperation, and sheer terror right along with her. She does this without describing her emotions or fears - you can just see it in her eyes. Without giving any spoilers, it's also important to note that the treatment of the "ghost" aspects - both with story and effects - really add to the overall "spookiness" of this film. But I think some people viewed it more as a murder mystery. When I discovered all of the details surrounding the murder toward the end of the movie, some of it surprised me, but most did not. If you view this film as a "whodunit," you'll probably be a little disappointed by the ending. And yes, there are one or two questionable plot holes which I don't want to discuss because I don't like including spoilers in my comments.
So my final verdict? GO SEE IT! It will scare you, entertain you, and keep you wondering what's going to happen next. Just don't expect it to end like the Sixth Sense. My rating is 8/10.
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