In the age of repetitive horror films that use cheap jump scares, narratives full of clichés, and gratuitous imagery, first-time feature film director and writer Natalie Erika James’ Relic is the sort of horror film the industry needs more of. The Japanese-Australian filmmaker has crafted a particularly good film that will certainly spark conversation between viewers after the credits roll.

Inspired by her own beloved grandmother’s fight against Alzheimer’s disease, Natalie Erika James’ film explores the horror of dementia, and offers plenty of thoughtful commentary and symbolism on the subject. Almost carrying the film single handedly with a fantastic performance is 77-year-old veteran Australian theatre actress Robyn Nevin. Here, she plays a grandmother named Edna whose dementia seems to be manifesting in supernatural ways.

Robyn Nevin’s terrific performance is captivating and gives authenticity to the unsettling film. It also keeps us interested, despite the pedestrian pacing of the narrative. Let’s get this out of the way. Relic is a slow-burn, and not always in a good way. The film is relatively short, at just one-and-a-half hours, but it feels like it could have easily shed 30 minutes in the editing room. I enjoy slow-burns, but it feels like Natalie Erika James only had enough material for a short film. However, the final act is certainly worth the wait, even if the first two acts feel like they should have been compressed into one.

Relic finds the right balance between staying grounded and playing with our fears of ghosts

The story begins when Kay (Emily Mortimer) and her daughter Sam (Bella Heathcote) visit Edna, who lives in the woods. Kay is concerned because her mother hasn’t been seen by the neighbours in a while. Edna’s house has obvious signs of being inhabited by a person with dementia. There are signs of neglect, notes with reminders all over the house, and more. The film also takes the opportunity to remind us that people with dementia need support from their families.

Relic takes a turn towards the fantastical when Sam begins seeing things, and Kay suffers from vivid nightmares. Here, Natalie Erika James asks if there really is a supernatural element to the story or if the family simply suffers from mental health challenges.

Finally, Edna is found one random morning, as if nothing has happened. As Kay and Sam begin taking care of Edna, the duo also starts exploring their surroundings. We learn that dementia runs in the family, and Kay’s great grandfather died because of cognitive decline, after being abandoned by his loved ones.

Kay is dismayed to see how poorly a care home is run, and it’s a stark reminder of how little support the elderly with dementia have. For the most part, the film finds the right balance between staying grounded and playing with our fears of ghosts. It does well to keep us guessing.

As I said, the final act is excellent. I also enjoyed the ending. Anyone who has taken care of the elderly, or is part of a family with mental health challenges, will find the controversial final scene to be quite powerful.

Rated R for some horror violence/disturbing images, and language

Published in Dawn, ICON, July 19th, 2020