Regression is a thriller written and directed by Alejandro Amenábar, best known for The Others and Vanilla Sky. Although Amenábar has not been particularly active in recent years, he demonstrates that he still knows how to direct an interesting film. The story follows a detective investigating a woman's past and her claims of involvement with a satanic cult. There is an intriguing mystery at the center of the film, and the direction helps maintain some interest even when the pacing slows down. Unfortunately, the performances from some of the supporting cast take away from the experience rather than adding to it.
Ethan Hawke, known for films like Training Day and Sinister, plays the detective investigating the case. He does the best he can with the material, but his chemistry with the rest of the cast is inconsistent. Hawke is a capable actor, and he gives the investigation enough weight to keep the story moving, but the performances around him make it harder to become fully invested.
David Thewlis, known for playing Remus Lupin in the Harry Potter films, has a supporting role that feels awfully familiar. He essentially delivers the same sort of personality and performance that audiences have already seen from him, and it does not do much to distinguish this character. His involvement in the regression sessions is also central to the story, but the entire concept only works if you are willing to believe in that sort of thing. Otherwise, those scenes can feel more tedious than revealing.
Emma Watson, best known for Harry Potter and Beauty and the Beast, plays the woman at the center of the investigation. However, anyone going into the film because of her presence might be disappointed. The trailer gives the impression that she has a much larger role than she actually does, and her limited screen time makes her casting feel more like a selling point than a substantial part of the movie.
Regression is an interesting thriller with solid direction, but its slow pacing and uneven supporting performances make it a difficult watch for some audiences. There is enough here for viewers who enjoy atmospheric mysteries and stories involving the possibility of something sinister beneath the surface. However, the film takes its time getting where it needs to go, and the regression angle may not work for anyone who is skeptical of the premise. I can see Regression becoming a hidden gem for a certain audience, but most viewers will probably find it boring and a little too drawn out. Result: B-
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