Altered States

Edward Jessup, a psychologist at Columbia University, becomes entranced by the phenomenon of schizophrenia. His curiosity leads him to hypothesize that the subconscious mind could have tangible influences on conscious experience.

During a faculty gathering, Edward meets Emily, an intellectually vibrant individual who captivates him. Their connection deepens as they share a thirst for knowledge, and she eventually becomes his life partner.

Edward, alongside his colleagues Arthur Rosenberg and Mason Parrish, begins experimenting with sensory deprivation using flotation tanks. This method intrigues him as he hopes to unlock greater understandings of consciousness.

Edward learns about the Hinchi tribe, renowned for their ritualistic collective hallucinations. Driven by his obsession with exploring consciousness, he travels to Mexico to partake in their sacred rites.

Upon arriving at the enchanting Hinchi hill country, Edward meets Eduardo Echeverria, a supportive guide. He is introduced to the tribe's elder known as 'the brujo,' who entrusts him with a mystical potion made from Amanita muscaria mushrooms.

After receiving the potion, Edward experiences chaotic and vivid hallucinations. These visions are filled with imagery of decay, leading him into an intense journey through his subconscious where he sees swirling sandstorms with Emily.

After his hallucinatory experience, Edward grapples with the unintended consequences of his actions, having killed a sacred monitor lizard while under the influence of the potion. This event weighs heavily on him, manifesting through dark dreams.

Returning home, Edward becomes fixated on analyzing the Hinchi potion, embarking on a quest to deepen his understanding of its effects. The more he explores, the more perilous the potion's impact appears to become.

In an effort to harness the power of the Hinchi potion, Edward retreats into sensory deprivation once again. This time, his experiences grow more disorienting, transporting him to the dawn of humankind as he witnesses ancient Hominidae.

Edward undergoes a shocking transformation, emerging from the sensory tank resembling a feral caveman. Driven by primal instincts, he causes chaos before painfully reverting back to his human form, despite his colleagues' concerns.

In a desperate attempt to explore his psyche fully, Edward plunges into an abyss of thought, transforming into a formless, sentient mass of primordial energy. This experience unleashes chaos, incapacitating his colleagues and destroying the tank.

As Edward's physical form dissipates into a void, Emily rushes to find him, only to confront the chaos left behind. She desperately searches for Edward, torn apart by the swirling energy that threatens to consume both of them.

With the help of friends, Edward is brought back from the brink of transformation, as they all anxiously await the outcome. Emily remains by his side, hoping to guide him back to reality as he faces his identity crisis.

As Edward continues to struggle with his regression, Emily takes his hand amidst the chaos. This connection rekindles the flicker of humanity within him, leading to a profound moment where he begins to resist the pull of transformation.

With a final surge of willpower, Edward regains his human form and embraces Emily, who also returns to herself. Together, they emerge from the dark abyss, their love shining as a beacon of hope in the aftermath of their harrowing journey.