Relic Blu-ray Review

"Relic" comes to Blu-ray with a 1080p/AVC-encoded High Definition image presented in the film's original aspect ratio of 2.39:1. The video quality strives to remain true to the atmospheric narrative while showcasing details like fine wisps of grey hair, mouldy ceilings, and intricate textures of skin and imperfections. The color palette is muted and dour, aligning well with the film's tone, punctuated occasionally by more dominant tones. However, the black levels, although strong, sometimes falter, revealing compression issues, particularly banding and posterization in darker scenes. These artifacts can be distracting and slightly detract from the overall visual experience.

The presentation faces challenges with compression-related issues that are apparent right from the first scene. The darker scenes especially suffer from artifacting, impacting the overall image quality. When fully illuminated, the image gains stability, highlighting the movie's cold palette with its bluish tint and dark hues prevalent in interior spaces. Primary colors emerge effectively in costuming and greenery, while skintones appear natural. Detail remains adequate throughout, enhancing facial textures and the tangible decay seen within the film’s setting. Despite solid delineation in certain moments, the generally dark aesthetic of "Relic" often complicates matters, suggesting that while it’s a respectable effort, it’s far from being a standout presentation.

The Blu-ray release of "Relic" excels in delivering an immersive and atmospheric auditory experience, courtesy of a robust DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. Dialogue is crisp and well-prioritized, enhancing the film's psychological nuances. The sound design effectively uses subtle cues like creaks and disturbing crunches to create a palpable sense of foreboding. A balanced score, strategically utilized, complements the movie's tension while retaining clarity and precision throughout. LFE elements, particularly during the film's crescendos, add necessary depth without overwhelming the subtler details.

The DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix adeptly manages the film's tonal shifts, capturing everything from hushed conversations to more intense moments of panic with clarity and coherence. Accents are finely tuned, ensuring argumentative interactions maintain their integrity without distortion. The soundscape is richly detailed, featuring thoughtful use of surround channels to enhance the eerie atmosphere with panning effects and distinct ambient noises. The score, often understated with sustained low notes, adds a sense of suspense and provides impactful low-end weight where needed. Overall, the track is meticulous in its attention to atmospheric depth, capturing everything from minor wall thumps to unsettling movements with precision.

The Blu-ray extras for "Relic" offer a rich tapestry of content for enthusiasts wanting deeper insights into the film's production process and the motivations of its cast and crew. The UK release stands out with numerous interview-based features, starting with a thoughtful introduction and Q&A session from the director at the 2020 London Film Festival. An array of solo interviews with key cast members Emily Mortimer, Bella Heathcote, and Robyn Nevin provides thorough perspectives on their roles. Further depth is added through interviews with the cinematographer and production designer, coupled with engaging behind-the-scenes featurettes and a unique timelapse segment.

Extras included in this disc:

• Director's Introduction & Q&A: Insightful session from the 2020 London Film Festival.
• Director's Interview: Solo perspective from the director.
• Actor Interviews: Individual discussions with Emily Mortimer, Bella Heathcote, and Robyn Nevin.
• Crew Interviews: Insights from the cinematographer and production designer.
• Behind the Scenes Featurettes: Detailed looks into the making of the film.
• Timelapse Feature: Interesting visual overview of production stages.
• Theatrical Trailer: A high-definition preview of the film.

"Relic" stands out as a poignant and chilling exploration of dementia, intertwining psychological horror with deeply emotive themes. Directed by Natalie Erika James, the film commands attention by shedding light on the terror of losing a loved one to dementia, an experience far more harrowing than mere ghosts or jump scares. The plot centers on Kay (Emily Mortimer) and her daughter Sam (Bella Heathcote), who rush to their remote family home upon learning that the elderly Edna (Robyn Nevin) has gone missing. Upon Edna's unsettling return, her bizarre behavior hints at something more malevolent than simple senility, driving an eerie narrative that delves into the cracks of familial relationships and mental decline.

The film foregoes overt gore for a more foreboding atmosphere, focusing on the psychological impact of Edna’s degeneration, mirrored hauntingly by the decay of her home. Emily Mortimer's stellar performance anchors the movie, supported impressively by Heathcote and Nevin, who seamlessly oscillates between vulnerability and a menacing presence. James adeptly blends personal experiences with cinematic horror elements, creating intricate set pieces laden with symbolism—echoing but not quite surpassing the metaphorical potency of its predecessors like "The Babadook" and "Hereditary".

"Relic" weaves a grim tapestry where the supernatural is a mere backdrop to the real terror—the inexorable loss of self and loved ones to an insidious mental illness. The maze-like structure of Edna’s cluttered house serves as a physical metaphor for the mental labyrinth of dementia, enhanced by rich production details such as the ominous sounds and decaying textures that pervade the scenes. While it doesn’t redefine the genre, "Relic" earns its place as a worthy psychological horror, delivering impactful visual metaphors and an unsettling atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression.

"Relic" stands as a commendable offering to the 'more than just a horror' sub-genre, aligning with predecessors like "The Babadook." From combining the eerie ambiance of a haunted house with the heart-wrenching elements of dementia, the film crafts a novel narrative experience. Director Natalie Erika James adeptly employs slow-burn scenes that enhance the film's run time while maintaining engagement. Despite accusations of stretching content, these sequences ultimately lend depth to a work that strikes a complex balance between fear and empathy. Keystone to this balance are the stellar performances from the cast, who anchor the film's emotional weight within its unsettling visual landscape.

Signature Entertainment's UK Blu-ray release garners praise for its atmospheric soundtrack and an impressive array of extra features, surpassing the more simplistic US release. While the video quality may not astound, it competently serves its purpose, ensuring that the bleak, moody visuals integral to the film's tone are effectively presented. The blend of compelling audio and supplementary materials enriches the viewing experience, making it a worthwhile purchase for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Conclusively, "Relic" is a sophisticated addition to the horror genre that transcends conventional scare tactics, weaving together profound themes of familial bonds and medical realities. By delving into relatable emotional territories and presenting them through a horror lens, it provides a strikingly humane and cinematic spectacle. The UK Blu-ray release does justice to this multifaceted film, making it highly recommended both for horror fans and those seeking emotional depth in their cinematic pursuits. Available on Digital Video on Demand and Blu-ray from January 18, 2021, "Relic" is not just another horror film; it's an empathetic exploration dressed in chilling attire.