“Aiden” is a psychological horror-thriller from 2024 with the many-decade-in-the-making film, directed by the titular star, Carl Medland. This movie centers on a man’s harsh ordeal of looking for a way out of an abusive relationship but finds himself dealing with more psychological trauma than just that.
Synopsis
Years of abuse have left Aiden feeling like a caged animal in a relationship with Ivan who is everything charming. After a brutal episode, Aiden flees for a cabin in the woods far from anybody. He has gone there for the isolation as a part of the experimental therapy program led by Dr. Williams, a doctor clad in mystery who uses bizarre methods to help patients who are severely affected with trauma to be able to face it.
The very first few days at the cabin, Aiden is at the two extremes of the spectrum of feelings, quiet and peace. Regrettably, more bizarre-than-usual episodes clamor for attention over time, and deterioration is predicted, as disturbing feelings must emerge. Therapy sessions triggered Aiden’s repressed feelings and escapable outcomes. There are unheard sounds that scrape his ears every night, and an overwhelming feeling of heads peering through the corner shafts his sight.
While exploring himself, Aiden finds out certain things that make him question the very being of love, trust, and identity. At the same time Ivan does not relent in his mission as he desires to have Aiden under his control once again. The place that used to give peace, turns into a war zone for Aiden, who has to battle out the enemies and himself. In the final encounter, there is a situation where he must use more force than ever to escape the endless violence and start living again.
Cast & Crew
- Carl Medland as Aiden: The essential character looking for a way out and some peace after an abusive relationship.
- Ivan Alexiev as Ivan: A talented abuser and the romantic interest of Aiden which brings some conflict to the story.
- Darren Earl Williams as Dr. Williams: A therapist assisting in Aiden’s recovery who is anything but conventional.
- Charlie Ann Goble as Camper 1: Another character with a minor but important role in the story development.
- Maggie Patrick as Camper 2: A second additional character offering support to the interrelationships of the film.
- Produced and edited by Mumtaz Yildirimlar, the film has her as well as other cinematographers’ distinct contribution to the film.
Critical Reception
According to Rotten tomatoes, as at December 7, 2024 Aiden has a 71% approval rating, with the percentage indicating good level of reviews.
The kerfuffle witnessed in the movie, centered on psychological trauma and abuse, has received favorable mention from the critics. The professional film actor Carl Medland in his capacity as the director coupled with performing actor gained appreciation of the core character-Aiden.
With regard to the AIDEN, the static as well as the site specific locations indeed does augment the sound design engineered and makes the audience be in the state of mind of the protagonist. Nonetheless, some reviewers think that particular plot aspects were underexploited and as such were detrimental to the integrity of the storyline.
Availability “Aiden” was premiered on 30th September 2024 and can be bought or rented on Apple TV. Its availability on other streaming platforms may differ from their regions. Conclusion “Aiden” constitutes an interesting interpretation of the themes of survival, and self-actualization as well as the effects of things hurled at an individual in the past. The story, through its interesting plotlines, dynamic characters and robust acting, offers something for every audience, which is more than just entertaining, as it illustrates the struggles people face in their endeavors of leaving abusive relationships and their path to recovery.
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