Elyse

Year: 2020

Runtime: 95 min

Language: English

Director: Stella Arroyave

Drama

Haunted by the ghost of her deceased son, Elyse struggles to cope with overwhelming grief and disorientation. A family gathering is tragically misinterpreted as a threat, leading to a violent act that irrevocably alters her life. As her grip on reality loosens, a disturbing past comes to light, forcing her to confront trauma, narcissism, and profound loss. With the guidance of Dr. Lewis and the support of David, she seeks a path toward healing and redemption.

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Elyse (2020) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

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In this profound exploration of grief, director Stella Hopkins presents Elyse, a gripping psychological drama that delves into the shadows of mental illness. At first glance, Elyse (played by Lisa Pepper) appears to embody grace and intelligence; however, beneath this exterior lies a tumultuous battle with Borderline Personality Disorder and Clinical Depression.

The narrative begins with Elyse stepping out of a stark white, architecturally designed house that feels more like a mausoleum than a home, symbolizing the presence of her deceased son, Cody (portrayed by Griffin Thomas Hollander). This surreal structure reflects her emotional desolation and detachment from life. After aimlessly wandering through her day, Elyse returns home exhausted and vulnerable, viewing her family dinner as a looming threat to her fragile existence and marriage.

Her escalating agitation leads to a dramatic clash with her supportive husband, Steven (Aaron Tucker), as she lashes out against the loving concern he offers. The tension builds rapidly, culminating in a psychotic episode where Elyse unknowingly causes a tragic accident that kills Cody and his nanny, Julia (Julieta Ortiz).

The film emphasizes that Elyse is not the only victim in this devastating spiral; her spiraling mental state wreaks havoc on her husband’s life, as well. The intertwining of memory and hallucination uncovers a painful past steeped in trauma, revealing that Elyse is trapped in a catatonic state and seeks refuge in a State Hospital.

Elyse’s path to recovery is riddled with challenges, including the disintegration of her marriage, the imperative need for reconciliation with her mother, Goldie (Fran Tucker), and finding forgiveness from Carmen (Tara Arroyave), the nanny’s daughter. Ultimately, it is through the compassionate support and clinical expertise of Dr. Philip Lewis (Anthony Hopkins), the Chief of Psychiatry, alongside the unwavering care from her nurse David (Anthony Apel), that Elyse begins to envision the possibility of a new life, one where hope can flourish amidst the wreckage of her past.

Last Updated: October 25, 2024 at 09:35

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Movies about grief and psychological collapse like Elyse

Films where profound loss shatters a character's grip on reality.Explore movies like Elyse that take you deep into the heart of grief and mental health crises. These powerful dramas focus on characters navigating profound loss and trauma, often leading to a breakdown of reality and a painful, bittersweet path toward recovery.

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Narrative Summary

Stories typically begin with a defining tragic event that sends the protagonist into a spiral of grief and psychological instability. The narrative structure often becomes nonlinear or subjective, mirroring the character's confusion as they confront past trauma, guilt, and a distorted perception of the world, culminating in a confrontation with their pain.

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Movies are grouped here due to their intense focus on the emotional and psychological ramifications of grief. They share a heavy, melancholic tone, a high level of emotional intensity, and a complex narrative approach that immerses the viewer in a character's internal struggle with reality.

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Slow-burn character studies set within the confines of a troubled mind.If you liked the heavy, unsettling atmosphere of Elyse, discover other movies that build a similar feeling of psychological claustrophobia. These films use slow-burn pacing and a somber tone to explore deep trauma, mental illness, and the fragile process of healing.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative is character-driven and internal, prioritizing mood over fast-paced events. The pacing is often slow or variable, allowing tension and unease to simmer. The setting can feel confining, reflecting the protagonist's mental state as they grapple with their past in a deeply atmospheric and psychologically intense way.

Why These Movies?

These films are connected by their shared emphasis on creating a specific, often oppressive, mood. They prioritize a somber, claustrophobic atmosphere, a heavy emotional weight, and a narrative that unfolds with psychological intensity, making the viewer a participant in the character's internal struggle.

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