Psyche 59

Alison is seemingly content as a wife and mother, despite her blindness caused by a fall during pregnancy. She is supported by her husband Eric, a French maid, and family friends, living a seemingly stable family life. Her blindness is attributed to a psychological issue, as she believes her mind refuses to see after a traumatic event.

Alison's younger sister Robin comes back into her life and offers to take her shopping. Robin hints at an underlying tension and seems to be flirting and teasing, indicating possible deep-seated issues. Robin also proposes that Alison see a specialist for her blindness, which Alison dismisses as a mental block rather than a physical problem.

At the family town house, Robin acts flirtatiously and appears to be deliberately provocative towards Eric, even joking about seduction. Eric reacts violently, grabbing Robin by the hair, and she retaliates by stabbing him with scissors. Alison perceives the disturbance but cannot see the violence.

Alison recounts waking up at night before giving birth to her second child, feeling her husband was absent. She heard Robin crying, then experienced a fall that she cannot remember fully but associates with trauma. Her memory is fragmented, but she senses something disturbing related to her blindness.

While at the country house, Alison's mother suggests Robin was fond of Eric as a girl and implies Robin's feelings for him. Alison refutes the idea, hinting at past romantic/sexual tensions. The theme of childhood innocence and its transformation into adult complexities is explored.

In town, Eric and Paul dine together, where Paul admits he likes Robin. Eric dismisses rumors of an affair, implying Robin's past was innocent or as a child. Paul suggests Robin might view Eric as a father figure, and Eric hints at a disturbing past involving Robin at holidays during her youth.

Robin is seen flirting with young men on a beach, and Alison defends her, suggesting she is just young and looking for fun. Robin confesses to Alison that she hated Eric, revealing feelings of abandonment and jealousy rooted in childhood. She also hints at a traumatic experience on her wedding night.

Robin causes chaos at the country house, stealing black currants with children. She later shares an intimate moment with Paul, but denies wanting to marry him, revealing her deep emotional turmoil and obsession with Eric. Alison is concerned about Robin’s unstable state.

In the kitchen, Robin manipulates and insults Eric, suggesting he likes Alison only because she is blind. Alison cuts her finger while confronting Robin, who then flees. Alison's growing awareness of underlying family issues and Robin’s disturbed psyche becomes evident.

Robin tries to leave on horseback, leading to a confrontation. Eric intervenes, and Robin humorously challenges Alison, revealing her desire to manipulate the situation. Alison is injured by the horse and falls, while Robin is unconscious after the fall, prompting Eric to carry her inside.

While Robin is unconscious, Alison experiences a flashback of her sister and Eric in bed, indicating past trauma. She perceives Eric embracing Robin and feels shocked. Her perception is blurred but she begins to see her surroundings again, revealing her fragile mental state.

Robin pushes Eric away and hints that he should leave Alison and their children, exposing her jealous and disturbed feelings. Eric reacts violently, strangling Robin before she laughs and cries, signifying their tumultuous relationship. Alison overhears this and retreats, feeling distressed.

Alison observes her children in the garden, crying and feeling overwhelmed. She contemplates her situation and takes medication, forming a letter ‘A’ with pills, symbolizing her despair. She decides to separate herself emotionally from the family and her surroundings.

Robin returns just before lunch with roses, claiming it’s their anniversary and announcing her intention to marry Paul. She openly stands close to Paul, causing tension, and provocatively asks Eric if he will kiss the bride. Eric, overwhelmed, cries as he embraces Robin, revealing deep emotional turmoil.

As Robin and Eric share an emotional, almost intimate moment, Alison witnesses their interaction despite her blindness, indicating her awareness of the complex family ties. She then walks into the garden, looks at the sky and sunlight, and finally finds a moment of personal peace amid chaos.