Keep Mum

Keep Mum is a psychological thriller film directed by Summer Shorts filmmaker Keith English that was released in 2002. The movie revolves around a woman's fragile mental state, which slowly begins to disintegrate. The film begins with a close-up of Susan's (Kate O'Connell) face, hinting at an ongoing internal turmoil. Susan appears to be a quiet and reserved individual, struggling to make sense of her life. Her relationship with her sister, Helen (Susan Denman), is strained, largely due to Helen's controlling behavior. Helen seems to be the dominant figure in Susan's life, frequently offering condescending yet caring advice. Susan's situation at work also takes a toll on her sanity. She becomes increasingly entangled with her demanding boss, David (Chris Gauthier), who exhibits a somewhat disturbing interest in her. His behavior raises red flags, making Susan question her own judgment and trust her instincts. This adds to the escalating sense of confusion and anxiety in her life. As the narrative progresses, Susan begins to experience vivid and disorienting hallucinations. She finds herself walking through a deserted park, only to discover strange and inexplicable objects lying around. Furthermore, her daily routine becomes increasingly unpredictable, indicating a growing detachment from reality. One evening, Susan becomes aware of an ominous woman watching her from a nearby doorway. This moment further fuels her paranoia and serves as a warning signal of the rapidly deteriorating state of her mind. Her encounters with David, now laced with a darker undertone, exacerbate the unease within her. The hallucinations start to take a more violent form, as Susan witnesses a gruesome murder scene unfold before her eyes. The gruesome details of this event linger in her mind, further disrupting her fragile psyche. It seems as though her mind has begun to unravel, reflecting her growing anxiety and frustration. The relationship between Susan and her sister, Helen, continues to deteriorate as well. An apparent attempt by Helen to help Susan through therapy appears to be insincere, further fueling Susan's growing distrust of those around her. Her perception of reality becomes increasingly disjointed, making it difficult for the audience to distinguish between what is real and what is just a product of Susan's imagination. The story ultimately reaches a climactic conclusion where the line between reality and Susan's perceptions becomes blurred beyond recognition. The audience is left with a sense of ambiguity regarding what actually transpired, adding to the overall enigmatic and haunting atmosphere that pervades the film. The psychological thriller "Keep Mum" presents a dark and disturbing exploration of a woman's deteriorating mental state. The narrative delves into the complex issues of paranoia, anxiety, and the shattering of one's grip on reality. This gripping story leaves a lasting impact on the viewer, serving as a chilling reminder of the unpredictable nature of the human psyche.