Take Shelter review: The complex psychological drama by Jeff Nichols offers a perplexing and mystifying allure
Jeff Nichols' second film, 'Take Shelter' (2011), offers something distinct and attracts us with its unusual complexity leaving us questioning whether what we believe is indeed happening or if it's simply our own illusion. The psychological drama starring Michael Shannon & Jessica Chastain offers a perplexing and mystyfying allure. Furthermore, 'Take Shelter' is an even more commendable effort because, in contrast to other films that attempt to perplex us with some unique plot twists , 'Take Shelter' captivates us with realistic characters and an uncomplicated narrative.
The film's basic plot centres on Curtis (Michael Shannon), the loving husband of Samantha (Jessica Chastain) and the devoted father of Hannah (Tova Stewart), a deaf daughter. Shanon starts having apocalyptic visions and dreams in which everything is destroyed by a huge storm. These nightmares gradually start to get increasingly riskier as he starts to imagine himself being harmed by people who are close to him. He starts to question whether he should shield his loved ones from an approaching storm or from himself and his growing concerns about getting paranoid schizophrenia.
Jeff Nichols definitely deserves praises for writing and directing a film that starts on flat footing and slowly starts pulling the rug out from under you. 'Take Shelter' doesn't have complex plot and followed a traditional structure while still managing to confound through profound philosophical ideas and psychological effects of growing paranoia that manifests subconscious tendencies. As the narrative progresses the film slowly starts pulling us closer to Shanon and understand his psychological struggle to keep himself together while fighting with his inner trauma. The two-hour movie includes several moments in which Curtis is trying to comprehend his nightmares and how they affect his life. Even in scenes that are supposed to be happy, there is a constant sense of tension in the movie. For example, Curtis struggles to look as a joyful father to his loving daughter, especially when attempting to communicate with her in a sign language.
Every exchange between Curtis and his wife Samantha gives their personalities more nuance and allows us to experience his mounting self-dissatisfaction. Samantha has an equally significant role in this film, doing everything in her power to support her husband. The film also spends enough time in showing the growing stress among husband and wife as Samantha is finding it difficult to understand her husband's mental exhaustion. Unlike most other films, particularly in this genre, 'Take Shelter' also depicts the family's rising financial difficulties as Curtis struggles to focus on his profession. This financial struggle of this couple who do not have financial backup allows us to better empathise to them and experience their uneasiness.
In this movie, Jessica Chastain and Michael Shannon both deliver subtle performances. In sequences where they are attempting to conceal their own suffering, both performers take care to avoid going overboard. The subtle trauma and developing paranoia of Michael Shanon's character, rather than overt emotional outbursts, is what give his performance its devastating weight. This is easily Michael Shanon's one of the best performances of his career.
I also appreciated how the movie, which is a psychological horror drama, manages to stay engaging without resorting to elaborate special effects or high production qualities. Even in scenes that are quite intense, writer director has opted to not use the background score.
Overall, Take Shelter is a riveting psychological drama that examines a man's mounting depression and anxiety, expertly blending horror elements.
Cast: Michael Shannon, Jessica Chastain, Shea Whigham, Katy Mixon, Kathy Baker
Writer: Jeff Nichols
Director: Jeff Nichols
Also read: The Secret Agent review: A meticulously crafted cinematic experience that is virtually flawless
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