Basic Psych

Basic Psych is a terrifically suspenseful and entertaining movie! Character-driven and tightly paced, it culminates in an ending that will knock your socks off.

As it follows the increasingly unsettling relationship between a psychiatrist and his potentially dangerous patient, Basic Psych ratchets up the anxiety, especially when the psychiatrist's family seems at risk. Scenes are artfully staged with interesting angles and lighting. Superlative acting by Pittsburgh (Swissvale) native David Conrad and two-time Tony Award winner Michael Cerveris elevates the tension and tone of this cleverly conceived puzzler.

Tension and tone of this cleverly conceived puzzler.

Basic Pscych is a tightly scripted drama written by a physician. Benefiting from his professional experience and insights, Jim Tucker introduces the viewer to several dilemmas facing medical care providers when they are sought out by disturbed and frankly scarey patients. Is the patient being truthful? Is he a danger to the doctor and his family or to others? Is it proper to continue providing care or is it ethical to abandon the patient?

The intricate plot and several subplots challenge the viewer to attend to the subtle clues seeded within this story of a psychiatrist entangled with an apparently dangerous patient. The resolution of the plot is surprising, but as one reconsiders the totality of the movie, the ending should be no surprise.

Your close attention will be well rewarded as you watch Basic Psych.

This is a fabulous thriller with a very unexpected ending. It is well written and marvelously acted. I really thought I had this one figured out but boy was I wrong. And, it is rare that movie endings satisfy me. This ending was just perfect and well thought out.

The cinematography was beautiful, and we loved and enjoyed the great Pittsburgh scenes. The casting was thoughtful with actors and actresses realistically portraying the characters.

I almost never want to see a movie more than once; however, I can't wait to see this one again. It kept me absolutely enthralled the entire time.

Well done!!

A masterful Whodunit! The plot develops from the opening scene with the characters intertwining and creating an intense, unexpected drama. With expertly crafted suspense, a psychiatrist and his patient create a palpable tension that never lets up. The screenplay is tightly woven, the acting is first rate, and accomplished actor Michael Cerveris delivers another standout performance. With many twists and turns in the final minutes, this unforeseen outcome is not revealed until the last climactic scene. An excellent movie! See it a second time to catch all of the nuances that you might have missed.

Even though I knew how it would end, I was still totally hooked and tense right up to the final scene. The writing was really strong, with just the right mix of suspense and emotion to keep things moving. The lead roles were perfectly cast, every scene between them had weight and purpose. A few of the smaller roles felt off and a bit distracting, which occasionally pulled me out of the moment. Still, the story and pacing were so solid that it didn't really matter. Overall, gripping watch that stayed with me after the credits rolled.

I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a smart psychological thriller.