The film Regression from 2015 is a psychological thriller starring Ethan Hawke and Emma Watson. It completely passed me by at the time of its release. Fortunately I’ve since picked up on Blu-ray. The question that I now need to answer is whether or not you should be doing the same. So without further ado here’s my Regression blu-ray review.
- Regression (2015)
- Genre: Psychological Thriller
- Directed by Alejandro Amenábar
- UK Rating 15
- Discs: 1
- Released By Entertainment in Video
- Blu-ray Released: 1 February 2016
Plot
Set in the early nineties, the Minnesota police department are forced to arrest John Gray after his daughter Angela (Emma Watson) claims he has abused her. Detective Bruce Kenner (Ethan Hawke) is tasked with finding out the truth. However following his interview with Angela he begins to suspect a satanic cult may be ultimately responsible.
In order to confirm their suspicions the police arrange for both Angela and her father to undergo a regression session.
Style / Direction
The film is directed by Alejandro Amenábar whilst the cinematography is handled by Daniel Aranyó. First off the film is shot in a way that gives off a dark and unsettling tone. Overall it’s a very stylish and tense psychological thriller.
Music / Audio Effects
The music comes from Roque Baños.
Acting / Characters
The film is seen through Ethan Hawke’s characters perspective. Hawke puts in a fine performance of a cop not sure whether he is losing his mind or on the track of a satanic cult. Add in the extremely vulnerable and complex Angela Gray played by Emma Watson and you have an incredibly enthralling and compelling psychological thriller.
Cast
- Ethan Hawke as Detective Bruce Kenner
- Emma Watson as Angela Gray
- David Thewlis as Professor Kenneth Raines
- Lothaire Bluteau as Reverend Murray
- Dale Dickey as Rose Gray, Angela’s grandmother.
- David Dencik as John Gray, Angela’s father.
- Peter MacNeill as Police Chief Cleveland
- Devon Bostick as Roy Gray, Angela’s brother.
- Aaron Ashmore as Detective George Nesbitt
- Adam Butcher as Brody
- Kristian Bruun as Andrew
- Aaron Abrams as Farrell
- Julian Richings as Tom
- Janet Porter as S. Cooper
Conclusion: Regression (2015) Film Review
The film is based loosely on true events surrounding a spate of alleged satanic cults. Where the film succeeds is by throwing the viewer several red herrings. You think you know how the story will play out only to be surprised. It really does work exceptionally well. Added to the complex story is the excellent cinematography that really gives off a creepy feel.
The acting is also extremely good with Ethan Hawke and Emma Watson creating extremely belivable and plausible characters.
I think you are going to like this one and therefore it gains my recommendation.
If you enjoyed my Regression blu-ray review so far you may want to check out the following films:
Conclusion: Regression Blu-ray Review
The film only came out in 2015 so there are zero issues on the picture quality side of things. That takes us swiftly on to the extras. They are indeed brief lasting less than ten minutes. Included are interviews with director Alejandro Amenábar and actors Ethan Hawke and Emma Watson.
There’s worth a look but nothing too deep.
Extras
- Bruce’s Obsession (2 mins)
- The Complexity of Angela (2 mins)
- The Vision of Regression (3 mins)
Popcorn Cinema Rating: Regression (2015)
MOVIE RATING: VERY GOOD
BLU-RAY RATING: EXCELLENT
EXTRAS: GOOD
POPCORN CINEMA: RECOMMENDED
Amazon UK Links
Regression (2015) blu-ray is available now.
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Regression (2015) Trailer
For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster…
Clip may not representative of the blu-ray version
That concludes my Regression blu-ray review. I’m aiming to review more thrillers over the coming weeks. What’s next? Check back soon…
Summary: Regression (2015) Blu-ray Review
Movie title: Regression (2015)
Duration: 106 mins
Director(s): Alejandro Amenábar
Actor(s): Ethan Hawke, Emma Watson, David Thewlis, Lothaire Bluteau, Peter MacNeill, David Dencik
Genre: Psychological Thriller
- Movie Rating
- Blu-ray Picture Rating
- Extras
Summary
Unsettling psychological thriller that contains several twists and turns.
