Elyse 2020

In this profound exploration of grief, director Stella Hopkins presents Elyse, a gripping psychological drama that delves into the shadows of mental illness. At first glance, Elyse (played by Lisa Pepper) appears to embody grace and intelligence; however, beneath this exterior lies a tumultuous battle with Borderline Personality Disorder and Clinical Depression.

The narrative begins with Elyse stepping out of a stark white, architecturally designed house that feels more like a mausoleum than a home, symbolizing the presence of her deceased son, Cody (portrayed by Griffin Thomas Hollander). This surreal structure reflects her emotional desolation and detachment from life. After aimlessly wandering through her day, Elyse returns home exhausted and vulnerable, viewing her family dinner as a looming threat to her fragile existence and marriage.

Her escalating agitation leads to a dramatic clash with her supportive husband, Steven (Aaron Tucker), as she lashes out against the loving concern he offers. The tension builds rapidly, culminating in a psychotic episode where Elyse unknowingly causes a tragic accident that kills Cody and his nanny, Julia (Julieta Ortiz).

The film emphasizes that Elyse is not the only victim in this devastating spiral; her spiraling mental state wreaks havoc on her husband’s life, as well. The intertwining of memory and hallucination uncovers a painful past steeped in trauma, revealing that Elyse is trapped in a catatonic state and seeks refuge in a State Hospital.

Elyse’s path to recovery is riddled with challenges, including the disintegration of her marriage, the imperative need for reconciliation with her mother, Goldie (Fran Tucker), and finding forgiveness from Carmen (Tara Arroyave), the nanny’s daughter. Ultimately, it is through the compassionate support and clinical expertise of Dr. Philip Lewis (Anthony Hopkins), the Chief of Psychiatry, alongside the unwavering care from her nurse David (Anthony Apel), that Elyse begins to envision the possibility of a new life, one where hope can flourish amidst the wreckage of her past.