Close Contact

Close Contact is a tense, psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of relationships, isolation, and the darker aspects of human nature. Set in a remote wilderness area, the film revolves around Emily (played by Olivia Cooke) and her boyfriend, Matt (played by Benedict Wong). The story begins with Emily and Matt, a seemingly loving couple, embarking on a solitary hike in the woods. Their goal is to reconnect and escape the monotony of their quarantined lives. Despite government regulations, they decide to break free from the constraints of their isolation and venture into the great outdoors. As they hike deeper into the woods, the scenery becomes increasingly desolate, mirroring the emptiness in their relationship. Tensions arise when they stumble upon a group of fellow hikers, who seem to be enjoying themselves. Emily and Matt's desire to experience freedom and joy is now contrasted with the isolation they've chosen, leading to feelings of guilt and unease. Their unease turns to paranoia when they notice a mysterious, unidentified figure lurking in the woods. Initially, they dismiss the encounter as mere paranoia, but as they continue their hike, the encounters escalate, and they start to suspect that they're being stalked. The camera shots become more distorted, and the tension builds, creating an unsettling atmosphere. As Emily and Matt try to stay one step ahead of the figure, their relationship is put to the test. They engage in a series of arguments, fueled by the fear and anxiety they've been experiencing. The cracks in their relationship become more visible, and their communication breaks down. They're forced to confront the underlying issues in their relationship and question their desire to be together. One pivotal scene shows Emily and Matt sharing a romantic dinner, but as they start to talk, the conversation turns into a heated argument. The close-ups of their faces reveal a deep-seated anger and frustration, leaving the audience wondering if they'll ever reconcile. This intense scene sets the tone for the rest of the film, highlighting the fragility of their relationship. As the tension builds, Emily starts to experience a series of unsettling encounters, which blur the lines between reality and her imagination. She becomes convinced that they're being watched, and her fragile mental state begins to unravel. Matt tries to reassure her, but his words seem rehearsed and insincere. A pivotal twist unfolds when Emily discovers a mysterious photograph of herself in an old cabin, hinting that someone has been following them. Panic sets in as they rush back to their car, but the figure appears, and they're confronted with a shocking truth. The figure is revealed to be someone from their past, a stalker who's been tracking them for years. This revelation raises more questions than answers. Were they genuinely being stalked, or was this a manifestation of their own fears and anxieties? As Emily and Matt try to process this information, the film takes a dark turn, hinting at the possibility that Emily's perception of reality has been compromised by the isolation and stress. In the final act, Emily and Matt's relationship is put to the ultimate test. They're forced to confront the trauma and vulnerabilities that have been festering beneath the surface. The close-ups become increasingly intense, with the camera capturing the raw emotions of the actors in vivid detail. In the end, Emily and Matt's relationship is left in shambles. They're forced to make a choice between confronting their demons and walking away from each other. The final shot leaves the audience with a haunting question: What's the cost of breaking free from isolation and the consequences of the choices we make when we're desperate for human connection?