The Consultant

Another one of Ignacio Maiso's films that I quite enjoyed. I like films that keep you intrigued, especially if there is a great unexpected twist, which this one has. You think you may have got it but I can't imagine anyone would guess what happens at the end, even if you think you do, you won't. It's not often a psychiatrist is seen reliving their past fears with the arrival of their clients. An interesting perspective working with three specific clients. Ignacio has a very intriguing style like all of his films, they keep you guessing, they are slow, but gripping. If you like a slower burner then I would highly recommend this film full of drama, thriller and psychological content.

Everybody needs to see this gem of a psychological thriller.

The art direction is constantly mesmerising yet doesn't distract from the superb and innovative cinematography or the pace of direction alongside such original writing.

Ben Cook's subtly spooky score serves the suspense throughout and the cast are bewitching, particularly Rebecca Calienda as Sharon: such a tantalising performance. She must surely be the Queen of the reaction shots?

And just how did Jean-Christian Bateman sustain that performance for the entire movie? That face, those eyes!

I was sorry when it ended but the gorgeous jazz piano over the credits was a great joy.

Good cinematography. Acting was decent if not a little over acted.

What really stopped this movie from being good was the writing. This movie wasn't even close to great, in fact it was bad.

Do not believe the 9/10s and 10/10s, they are quite obviously friends and family and other interested parties.

To make it a good movie they just had to not make it so obvious from the start what was going on. When you have this psychologist with patients, saying nothing and looking like a deer caught in the headlights the entire time... Yeah.

Maybe I'm being unfair to the writers, and there were more lines but they were cut out in editing? Maybe the actor improved not saying them and the director went for it?

Huge mistake though.

Ignacio Maiso's 'The Consultant' is a brooding, twisting psychological thriller that wraps with quite a punch to the chest. It's definitely one of those movies that are worth watching a second time. The performances by all of the actors involved was amazing, but especially that of John Christian Bateman as the psychiatrist. He really carries the movie. One of the great things about independent cinema like this is that the filmmakers can take more liberties with material and style. The film had a very effective and avant-garde cinematography that added a new dimension to the story and the musical score was wonderful. All in all a very intriguing, moody piece that will keep you hooked till the very end.

Ignacio Maiso's "The Consultant" is a riveting exploration into the depths of the human psyche, featuring a psychiatrist (John Christian Bateman) whose disturbing secret unfolds with the arrival of three new patients. Infused with suspense and mystery, the narrative spirals into a complex blend of Freudian psychoanalytic explorations, reminiscent of classics like 'Persona' and 'Repulsion'. With a haunting score by Ben Cook and atmospheric cinematography by Milos Moore, the film navigates complex conceptual terms while maintaining an intellectually challenging and captivating narrative. A masterclass in psychological thrillers, "The Consultant" is a labyrinthine odyssey into the human mind, encapsulating cinema at its most cerebrally intoxicating.