Eloise

 

Eloise is a psychological thriller that intertwines the horrors of an abandoned insane asylum with a desperate quest for hidden truths. Directed by Robert Legato, the film follows four friends—Jacob (Chace Crawford), his friend Dell (Brandon T. Jackson), Scott (P.J. Byrne), and Pia (Eliza Dushku)—as they break into the notorious Eloise asylum to retrieve a death certificate that could secure Jacob a significant inheritance. However, what starts as a seemingly straightforward task spirals into a harrowing journey where the building’s sinister history and the group’s own suppressed secrets collide.

The film effectively sets a chilling atmosphere. The abandoned asylum, with its labyrinthine hallways and decaying rooms, serves as the perfect backdrop for unsettling encounters. The cinematography capitalizes on the eerie setting, using shadow and sound to evoke a sense of dread. The initial pacing is brisk and engaging, drawing viewers into the story as the characters traverse deeper into the asylum’s dark past. The flashes between the present and haunting reenactments of the asylum's history are also compelling, providing key background and heightening the sense of danger.

The cast delivers solid performances, with Eliza Dushku standing out as Pia, whose personal connection to the asylum adds an intriguing layer of depth. Crawford's portrayal of Jacob is driven by desperation, while Byrne’s portrayal of Scott injects moments of humor and anxiety that feel genuine. The supernatural elements that unravel as the story progresses add an interesting twist, merging the psychological with the paranormal.

Where Eloise falters is in its runtime and story development. The film feels rushed, especially in its second half. While the initial buildup is strong, the climax and resolution seem hurried, leaving some character arcs and plot points underexplored. A longer runtime could have offered more space to delve into the asylum’s dark history, flesh out the characters’ backstories, and deepen the connection between their present fears and past traumas. This lack of thorough development means that while the film is effective in delivering scares, it doesn’t fully realize its potential as a psychological narrative.

The film’s thematic undertones—exploring the intersection of guilt, greed, and repressed memories—are intriguing but not as well-integrated as they could be. The storyline becomes somewhat predictable as it progresses, and certain revelations lack the impact they might have had with more layered storytelling.

Overall, Eloise is an effective and enjoyable watch for those who appreciate atmospheric thrillers and stories set in haunted asylums. The visuals and suspenseful direction keep viewers engaged, but the film leaves a sense of what might have been had it been given more time to develop its story. While not a masterpiece of the genre, it remains a solid film that blends supernatural scares with psychological tension.

If you're looking for a movie that mixes haunted asylum lore with a touch of psychological mystery, Eloise makes for an interesting evening watch. Just don’t expect it to break new ground or provide the depth that longer-form thrillers can offer.