State of Consciousness (2024)
A man named Stephen, accused of a mysterious murder, is confined to a dubious mental facility. He undergoes an experimental treatment that wipes out a year of his memory, shattering his ability to distinguish horrifying hallucinations from reality. As he desperately seeks to restore his past, he uncovers a shocking truth about his incarceration and the sinister conspiracy behind it.
Length: 1h41m
Genre: Psychological Thriller/Sci-Fi
This Title is: Identity Crisis and Paranoia
Cast
Emile Hirsch, Tatjana Nardone, Kesia Elwin, Robin Mugnaini, David Wurawa
Parental Guidance
Maturity Rating: R – violence, drug use, some sexuality and language
FAQ
- Is State of Consciousness (2024) Based on a True Story?: No, it is based on an original screenplay and classified as contemporary fiction.
- Where was State of Consciousness (2024) filmed?: The movie was filmed and produced in Italy.
- Who Wrote the Soundtrack?: N/A
Filmmaker Profile
Director Marcus Stokes skillfully helms this psychological story, crafting an atmosphere thick with unease and disorientation. Known for his technical proficiency, Stokes uses visual tricks and jarring shifts in perspective to enhance the character’s internal turmoil and blur the lines between reality and simulation.
Why It’s Worth Watching
This production offers a gripping premise focused on a man fighting to reclaim his sanity and past identity. Its primary selling point is the genuinely unsettling atmosphere and constant sense of betrayal. The high-stakes mystery and frenetic, tight direction ensure a viewing experience that keeps you guessing until the final, unexpected moment.
Main Character Deep Dive
Stephen’s emotional journey is one of acute confusion and desperation. Trapped in a nightmare of his own making, or perhaps someone else’s, his struggle with sanity is palpable. The actor brings a raw, exhausting energy to the role, effectively portraying the protagonist’s manic state and internal conflict as he fights against powerful forces controlling his perception.
Unforgettable Quote
“They didn’t just take my time. They took my mind, and now I can’t find the way back.”
Trivia
- The screenplay was credited to a trio of writers: Guillaume Tunzini, Dikran Ornekian, and Rylend Grant.
- The entire project, despite its American-style setting, was produced and primarily shot in Italy.
- The main character, Stephen, is falsely accused of murder and submits an insanity plea to avoid a prison sentence.
Trailer
Stream State of Consciousness (2024) on:
Our Review
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I found myself immediately gripped by the high-concept mystery at its core. The script is surprisingly smart, establishing an intense atmosphere of paranoia right from the start. The creative team truly excels at crafting unsettling, mind-bending sequences where reality fractures and reforms without warning. The lead performance by Emile Hirsch is truly exceptional; he captures the frantic, desperate state of a man losing control, making his struggle emotionally resonant. I appreciated how the production commits completely to its dizzying premise, constantly shifting the perspective to generate tension. The pace is relentlessly quick, constantly adding new layers of intrigue without sacrificing momentum. This is a wonderfully twisted and engaging piece of psychological horror that stays with you long after the credits roll. It’s an absorbing experience that showcases strong direction and a memorable central turn.
Who Should Watch This?
Stream it if you love cerebral, high-tension thrillers that constantly challenge your perception of reality and feature a standout performance wrestling with total mental collapse.