The Midnight Horror: 'Look Away' (2018)

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The Midnight Horror is fashionably late once again, but I couldn't resist sharing my latest cinematic journey. I only managed to sink my teeth into today’s pick, Look Away, this morning, and let me tell you, it was worth the wait. Released in 2018 by Vertical, it’s one of those DVDs I stumbled upon at Dollar Tree back when everything had a humble price tag of just a dollar—those nostalgic days of treasures waiting to be unearthed in the aisles!

Now, Look Away caught my eye, not only for its intriguing premise but also because it boasts two big-name stars: Jason Isaacs and Mira Sorvino, alongside the up-and-coming India Eisley, daughter of the late Olivia Hussey. Directed and penned by Assaf Bernstein, this film represents his inaugural venture into North American cinema. Originally titled Behind the Glass, it took over two years to finally emerge from the shadows. 

The tale follows Maria (Eisley), a tormented teenage girl who seeks refuge in the enigmatic world of her own mirror reflection, a sanctuary from the relentless bullying at school and the chilly distance of her parents, played by Isaacs and Sorvino. In this twisted tale of identity, Maria discovers her reflection isn’t just a lifeless image; it’s a sinister confidant named Airam who understands her deepest wishes and darkest desires. As Maria's confidence starts to bloom, so does the plot’s darkness. The winter prom—ah, the evening where dreams can dash or blossom—becomes the stage for a fierce metamorphosis. The malevolent twin rises, and vengeance takes center stage as she embarks on a treacherous quest against those who've wronged her.

I plunged into this film with no clear expectations, yet it ensnared me in a wonderfully twisted embrace. Beneath the surface of the chilling events lies a poignant commentary on the struggles of a youth battling depression and alienation. Through Maria’s perspective, we witness the torment of a girl submerged in bullying—psychological warfare waged by her peers, one boy teetering on the precipice of psycho-level insanity. The moment Maria discovers that unsettling ultrasound image of her and her phantom twin, the film’s eerie depths open up—you can feel the anticipation. I found myself pondering whether Airam was merely the manifestation of Maria's fractured psyche, a split personality yielding to the darkness. Spoiler Alert: In a shocking climax, the twins converge, merging into one in a psychodrama that only the nightmarish brilliance of a Tales from the Crypt episode could envision.

As someone who endured the torments of bullying in my own childhood, I felt an intense connection with Maria. Behind her chaotic choices lies a raw reflection of anguish that resonated deeply within me, even though I never spiraled to the depths of her and her twisted twin’s actions.

In the end, Look Away is a dark, gripping psychological horror that unfurls like a slow burn, crafting a mind-bending experience that lingers long after the credits roll. India Eisley delivers a haunting performance, while Bernstein’s daring direction dances alongside the masterful cinematography of Pedro Luque, which drapes the film in a gothic shroud. It might not be everyone’s idea of a cozy movie night, but for me, it worked like a charm—a deliciously dark treat best savored in the eerie stillness of night—or the early the morning, in my case. ╌★★★★★

〜B.J. Burgess