‘The Need’, directed by Michael Rognlie and EE Tallent, is a chilling dip into psychological horror that leaves you rattled. The cinematography, handled by Rognlie, is visually striking— cinematically sharp and deliberate, giving the film a haunting edge that contrasts with its grisly subject matter.
Eric Peddy plays Davy, a man twisted by his own psyche and haunted by past sins. He’s cold, unrepentant on the surface, yet there’s a layer of torment that bubbles underneath, especially as he’s haunted by the ghostly Lily (Alex Naumann), a victim whose presence is more than just spectral. Lily is the embodiment of his guilt, a walking reminder of his ruthlessness that he can’t shake, no matter how much he tries to bury it in his daily routines. Peddy’s portrayal of Davy’s descent into madness is on point – he makes Davy chillingly real and uncomfortable to watch.
Davy’s latest obsession is Caroline, a bar singer played by Brady Harvey, adds a disturbing twist. She’s a customer he’s enamored with, and his creepy fixation takes him to her place of work, inching closer to the line between infatuation and menace. Her rejection feels like the spark that could ignite something dangerous.
The film nails the tone: it’s dark, gruesome, and the music score weaves in perfectly to heighten the unease. It’s a story about guilt, suppressed urges, and the psychological torment of a man on the edge. This is a psychological horror done right, with strong performances, a script that doesn’t waste words, and visuals that keep you tense till the end. Highly recommended.
