Who is it?

Rating: 10/10 (6 April 2015)

It's refreshing to see a film where your brain is required to do a little thinking, well, maybe more than a little thinking. A young woman is haunted by an entity that might end up killing her if she doesn't get rid of it. We know the basics of what this entity is and what it could do? There are hints throughout the film that there might be more to it than just being another scary creation.
Some people might think it stands for the effects and consequences of actions, especially when those involve violence or sex. It's obvious from what we are allowed to see that this how it's transmitted. Later, we discover that maybe the young man who explains whatever little knowledge he has, that this is not accurate. As we see that the entity just doesn't disappear as indicated. Also, it appears that it's not only haunting Jay, but it's felt by the people around her. This is where we begin to wonder.
There are what some people might refer to as inconsistencies in the film, but I think they're purposefully placed there by the film's writer/director. There are homes and cars that would be better placed in an 80's location. There you have b/w TV sets all over the place, the dark brown and green sofas, and nothing that could bring you back to contemporary times, except for a clam "e-reader"? Some of the clothes are a bit anachronistic, too, but we never know when we are dealing with a retro crowd. Then we see modern cars, cell-phones (in the first scene), and a very depressed bunch of people and surroundings.
The way the film is directed we have a minimum intervention by adults. We see a profile here and there, or if we're lucky, a voice outside the screen. Then, there's the haunting soundtrack and the expert editing which takes you from one mood to another, back and forth, and keeps you thinking about what's going on because there is much to wonder about.
The body count is not big, and if we pay attention there seems to a direct relationship between the entity and its victim, all very disturbing. We also have photos, cleverly placed to maybe provide clues as to what could be happening. Are we dealing with the results of action in the distant past? Are these souls in limbo? There seems to be a disconnect between the people who are closely affected by the entity and the rest of the neighborhood. It is as if they're not visible to them, but they are able to see reminders of what happened there. Much emphasis is placed on the decayed surroundings, abandoned buildings, hopeless attitude of some of the principal characters. In addition, we hear plenty of reminiscing between one of the couples. For a moment, I thought we were dealing with "The Sixth Sense" universe, and to be prepared for a last minute revelation. However, there's the abrupt ending, but it's really that way? Or is it maybe just the end... of a cycle?
Whatever the situation might be, the mood is right, the acting is very good, as the film reveals just enough to keep the mystery going, and the challenge alive. It's good to see that cinema can still entertain you, thrill you, and keep you engaged.