The Yellow Wallpaper

Watch The Yellow Wallpaper

"Are we already dead?"
  • NR
  • 2012
  • 1 hr 55 min
  • 5.6  (1,955)

The Yellow Wallpaper is a 2012 thriller drama film directed by Logan Thomas, which is loosely based on a short story of the same name by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. Set in the late 19th century, the movie depicts the story of a young woman who experiences postpartum depression after the birth of her child and is prescribed a rest cure by her physician husband.

The main character, Jane (played by Juliet Landau), moves to a remote country estate with her husband, John (Aric Cushing) and her newborn child. The house is old and dilapidated, and the couple is warned by the locals that it has a history of being haunted. Despite her reservations, Jane is determined to get better and follows her husband's instructions to the letter. She is told that writing will help her regain her mental stability, and so she begins to document her experiences in a diary.

The crux of the movie is Jane's escalating mental decline, as she becomes increasingly obsessed with the yellow wallpaper in the room she is confined to. She fixates on the patterns and designs, believing that there is a woman trapped behind the paper, and becomes convinced that she must set this woman free. Her condition worsens as she becomes increasingly unhinged and starts hallucinating, which is epitomized by her obsession with the wallpaper.

In addition to the portrayal of Jane's deteriorating mental state, the film highlights the control John has over Jane. He is often dismissive of her concerns, attributing her symptoms to hysteria rather than a genuine illness. He forbids her from doing anything that might excite her, such as seeing her child or visiting her friends, further exacerbating her feelings of isolation and entrapment.

A major theme in the movie is the struggle of women in the 19th century, who were often forced into restrictive roles and faced extreme social pressure to conform to societal norms. Jane is a victim of these oppressive expectations, and it is suggested that her worsening condition is a direct result of this. She is trapped in a domestic situation where her husband controls her every move, and she is not allowed any agency or power. The yellow wallpaper becomes a symbol of Jane's entrapment and reflects the stultifying social conventions of the era.

The movie is filled with stunning visuals that add to the sense of claustrophobia and entrapment that Jane experiences throughout the film. The use of shadows and light, as well as clever camera angles, help to convey Jane's worsening condition and her increasing ties to the wallpaper. The score is haunting and adds to the tension of the film.

The acting in the movie is top-notch, with Landau delivering a standout performance as Jane. She brings a sense of vulnerability and desperation to her character, making Jane's plight all the more poignant. The supporting cast is also excellent, with Dale Dickey giving a memorable, if brief, performance as the housekeeper.

In conclusion, The Yellow Wallpaper is a tense and thought-provoking film that delves into the dark side of mental illness and oppression. Logan Thomas's direction, combined with the excellent acting and cinematography, makes for a truly immersive experience. While the movie may not be for everyone, those who enjoy psychological dramas and period pieces will find much to appreciate here.

The Yellow Wallpaper is a 2012 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 55 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.

The Yellow Wallpaper
Description
Where to Watch The Yellow Wallpaper
The Yellow Wallpaper is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Google Play. Some platforms allow you to rent The Yellow Wallpaper for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2012
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 55 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    5.6  (1,955)
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