‘Paranoid’, written and directed by Junda Wu and co-written with Michael O’Harlem, is a psychological thriller that keeps its emotions low but its tension high. The film opens with sweeping, cinematic shots of a remote countryside that feel almost too calm. Wu’s cinematography is composed and fluid, with a sharp eye for color and texture. Everything looks beautiful, but there’s tension simmering beneath the surface.
Isabelle (Isabella Bjorkman) is a violinist recovering from a serious wrist injury. Selene (Neva Leoncini), her childhood friend and also a violinist, caused the accident. She shows up at Isabelle’s isolated home with groceries and guilt. There’s warmth, but it’s mixed with hesitation. The kind of awkwardness that comes when something important has been left unsaid for too long.
Flashbacks of their shared past offer brief relief, but that comfort fades as Selene’s mood shifts. Over dinner, she makes an offhand comment – “a toast to my shattered dreams” – and the atmosphere changes. She accuses Isabelle of sabotage, then seems to regret it. The evening darkens. The house grows quieter. Fear creeps in. Is it paranoia, or is something actually wrong? The sound design and music are minimal but effective, letting silence do most of the heavy lifting.
The final act is where the film hits. What starts as discomfort slowly builds into dread. Selene begins to unravel, unsure whether Isabelle is out for revenge or if guilt is twisting her own mind. The tension is steady and unrelenting, never slipping into melodrama. It keeps you in the same uncertain headspace as Selene.
The production values are incredibly rich throughout. It’s highly polished and cinematic, with sound, lighting and editing all working together to pull you deeper into the tension. The acting is solid and tightly controlled, with both performances carrying a simmering intensity that never feels forced. It’s a deeply psychological thriller, where the emotion sits just under the surface, ready to break. Junda Wu proves himself as a director with serious vision – focused, stylish and unafraid to take his time. Highly recommended.
