Bottom of the World (2017)

Introduction
"Bottom of the World" is a 2017 mental thriller film directed by Richard Sears and written by Brian Gottlieb. The motion picture stars Jena Malone, Douglas Smith, and Ted Levine.

Plot Summary
The story revolves around Scarlett (Jena Malone) and Alex (Douglas Smith), a young couple on a trip. They stop overnight at a peaceful motel in the desert, where Scarlett inexplicably vanishes. Alex awakens to find Scarlett missing however the motel owner says he was alone the entire time.

The Search
Haunted by Scarlett's disappearance and the distinct sensation that he has actually been plunged into a different reality, Alex embarks on a look for her. He winds up in a town, in which he satisfies a waitress who bears a remarkable resemblance to Scarlett, but declares to not understand Alex and goes by a different name. Alex becomes obsessed with finding out what has actually taken place, as whatever becomes more and more surreal, feeding into his paranoia and fixation on finding his missing out on partner.

Mystery Unravels
As Alex delves much deeper, he reveals the dark secrets of the town and Scarlett's other identity. He experiences odd, dream-like circumstances that blur the lines in between reality and fantasy. During his search, he satisfies a weird male who provides him a book entitled 'Bottom of the World,' which unsettlingly echoes his scenario. As Alex gradually loses his grip on truth, he falls into a spiral of confusion, anguish, and fear.

Climax & Resolution
The climax of the movie reveals that Alex, in reality, is a client in a psychiatric health center, with Scarlett being a nurse who looked after him. The motel stay, her disappearance, and the entire quest had been the elaborate deceptions of Alex's distressed mind. The 'Bottom of the World' book is revealed to be a part of his treatment.

Last Thoughts
"Bottom of the World" masterfully uses the psychological thriller category to check out styles of reality, misconception, and mental illness. It innovatively threads a compelling narrative using different aspects of secret, thriller and scary, showcasing poignant performances, especially from Malone and Smith. Thanks to its elaborate plot and thought-provoking ending, the film leaves a long lasting effect, provoking conversations on the human psyche's complexities and the blurred lines in between perception and reality.

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