Relic

Relic

Year: 2020

Runtime: 89 min

Language: English

Director: Natalie Erika James

DramaMysteryThrillerHorror

As octogenarian Edna vanishes without explanation, her family's dark past begins to unravel. Her daughter Kay and granddaughter Sam uncover clues of Edna's deteriorating mental state, leading them on a desperate search for answers. But when Edna returns with an unsettling air, they must confront the sinister force manipulating her - and their own mortality.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Relic (2020)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Relic (2020). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film captures a contemporary setting, reflecting current societal issues around aging and mental health. The more significant focus is on the psychological tension and generational trauma rather than a specific historical time period.

Location

secluded family home, garden

The secluded family home serves as the primary setting, holding personal memories and secrets of the family. It is marked by a sense of isolation and decay, amplified by the creeping black mould that symbolizes the family's deteriorating relationships. The garden represents a connection to nature but becomes a place of horror as Edna's condition worsens.

🏡 House 🌳 Garden

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:08

Main Characters – Relic (2020)
Meet the key characters of Relic (2020), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Kay

Kay is portrayed as a devoted daughter, grappling with the moral complexities of caring for her aging mother while facing her own fears. Her struggle embodies the emotional turmoil of wanting to protect her family while confronting the shadows of neglect and madness hanging over Edna. As the caretaker, she exhibits both resilience and vulnerability in this chilling atmosphere.

👩‍👧 Daughter 🌪️ Caregiver 😢 Torn

Edna

Edna is depicted as a once-vibrant matriarch whose descent into madness becomes a haunting spectacle. Her erratic behavior and gradual transformation into a decaying figure symbolize the fear of aging and losing one's identity. Despite her mental decline, moments of clarity reveal the depth of her suffering and the unbearable burden of her afflictions.

🧓 Elderly 🚪 Abandoned 😱 Troubled

Sam

Sam, the granddaughter, represents the fresh perspective of the younger generation facing the consequences of familial neglect and trauma. Her curiosity leads her to uncover the family's buried secrets as she navigates the terrifying shifts in Edna's condition. Sam's perception of her grandmother gradually transforms from love to fear, mirroring Kay's own psychological journey.

👧 Granddaughter 🔍 Curious 🥺 Innocent

Jamie

Jamie is introduced as the well-meaning neighbor whose interactions with Edna hint at deeper family troubles. His character brings a mix of innocence and foreboding, as his father's warnings illustrate the haunting reputation of the family home. Jamie's role highlights the generational divide and the impact of community perceptions on familial strife.

🧑 Neighbor ⚡ Troubled 🌪️ Innocent

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:08

Major Themes – Relic (2020)
Explore the central themes of Relic (2020), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🖤 Family Bonds

The film intricately explores the complexities of family dynamics, especially the relationships between mothers, daughters, and granddaughters. It delves into how love can coexist with neglect and fear, particularly in the context of aging and mental decline. The struggle for care amidst confusion and trauma becomes the focal point of their bond.

💀 Madness

Madness is a pervasive theme, depicted through Edna's psychological decline and the frightening experiences of Kay and Sam. The film creates a chilling atmosphere where mental decay is symbolized by the physical manifestation of the black mould. The tension rises as the characters confront the possibility of inherited madness, blurring the lines between affection and horror.

⚰️ Mortality

Mortality hangs heavily over the narrative, explored through Edna's deteriorating health and the eventual acceptance of her death. This theme prompts reflections on the fear of losing loved ones and the haunting realization of one's own eventual fate. The juxtaposition of love and death serves as a poignant reminder of life's fragility.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:08

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