Abigail Before Beatrice

Abigail Before Beatrice, directed by Sean Durkin, delves into the complex and turbulent life of its protagonist, Abigail, a young woman who's led a sheltered existence in the woods. Unraveling like a slow-burning fire, the narrative cleverly interweaves fragments of Abigail's troubled past, shedding light on the traumatic events that shaped her into the person she is today. We meet Abigail, dressed in worn and tattered robes, living off the grid in solitude. The camera captures the vast expanse of the woods, a somber reminder of her isolation. Director Durkin's use of subtle camerawork creates a sense of unease, reflecting Abigail's fragile mental state. The film masterfully builds tension, plunging the viewer into a world where the boundary between reality and paranoia is hazy. A pivotal moment in the narrative occurs when Abigail receives a cryptic visit from Rachel, an enigmatic acquaintance from her troubled past. Rachel's unsettling demeanor, intertwined with her unsettling presence, conjures memories of the cult that Abigail has managed to escape. This seemingly innocuous encounter catalyzes a descent into chaos and introspection, triggering the release of repressed emotions and memories. As Abigail's thoughts spiral out of control, the events of her youth come flooding back to her. The fragmented reminisces gradually form a coherent picture, revealing the sordid tale of her life within the cult, The Foundation, and her profound connection with its charismatic leader, Benjamin. The evocative scenes where Abigail recalls her days in the cult unfold at a hypnotic pace, exposing the abuse of power and the far-reaching mental damage inflicted upon her. Throughout these dreamlike flashbacks, a darker narrative unfolds – an ordeal shrouded in secrets and recollections, the memory of which has scarred Abigail for years to come. In her youth, Abigail regarded Benjamin as her spiritual guardian and companion, allowing him to further control her emotions and brain. Her life with him comprised empty, introspective recitations recited at sundown hours. Abigail's transformation from an uneasy cult member into her isolated self is interspersed with episodes of heart-wrenching strife. When news reaches Abigail about Benjamin's early release from prison, her world is reduced to chaos and foreboding. In a desperate bid to safeguard her mental health, Abigail leans heavily on a narrative that suppresses her cruel memories from The Foundation, protecting her precarious mind from the reality that she has been seeking all along. This film challenges its viewers to confront similar fears of mental trauma and its unscrupulous implications. Durkin carefully generates tension while using rich natural settings where time seems to be relentless in its progression.