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Relic
2020 89 min Australia, United States of America R 18+
★6.5
Horror, Mystery
Director: Natalie Erika James
Trailers
EN
Teaser
Teaser
Teaser
EN
EN
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EN
Description
When elderly mother Edna inexplicably vanishes, her daughter rushes to the family's decaying home, finding clues of her increasing dementia scattered around the house in her absence.
Budget:
$1.23M
US Gross:
$1.05M
Worldwide:
$3.24M
Starring
Robyn Nevin
Actor
Emily Mortimer
Actor
Bella Heathcote
Actor
Awards
5 wins & 29 nominations total
Key opinion
Relic is a deliberate, atmospheric horror film that uses the genre to explore the visceral decay of dementia and the complexities of intergenerational care. While many praise its emotional depth and metaphorical power, others find its slow pace and ambiguous conclusion unsatisfying.
| Theme | The film effectively transforms the physical decay of dementia into a tangible, haunting horror metaphor. | |
| Direction | The atmospheric tension is built through sustained dread and nuanced sound design rather than relying on cheap jump scares. | |
| Pacing | The narrative's pacing rewards viewers seeking a contemplative, slow-burn experience, but alienates those expecting conventional horror momentum. | |
| Ending | The film's final act is divisive, with some finding it a poignant, symbolic conclusion and others viewing it as incoherent or underwhelming. | |
| Screenplay | The genre blend is debated, with some critics appreciating the psychological drama while others find the fusion of family conflict and supernatural horror clumsy. |