‘Kryptic’ Delivers a Surreal, Stylish Descent into Obsession and Identity

(Photo courtesy of: Well Go USA Entertainment)

Written by: TiShea Wilson, Managing Editor

 

Directed by Kourtney Roy and written by Paul Bromley (a debut feature for both), Kryptic is a bold and unflinching psychological thriller that plunges viewers into a surreal, meticulously crafted world where obsession, memory, and identity intertwine. Originally premiering at SXSW 2024, it is now available in select theaters and on VOD across the U.S. and Canada. Kryptic marks Roy’s transition from acclaimed photographer to feature filmmaker, and what a striking transition it is.

 

At the center of the film is Kay Hall (portrayed with haunting vulnerability by Chloe Pirrie), a woman who appears suddenly in the Canadian wilderness with no memory of who she is or how she got there. Drawn to the area by a vague sense of purpose, Kay joins a women’s walking club where we first learn of the disappearance of Barb Valentine (a cryptozoologist whose face is eerily similar to her Kay’s). As she begins to piece together fragments of her identity, Kay is haunted by fleeting memories and the sense that her past is intimately connected to something ancient and unknowable.

As she embarks on the quest for answers, Kay meets a variety of eccentric characters that simultaneously add to the mystery and lead her along her path. One of the most notable is, Morgan (Jeff Gladstone), a man who claims to know Barb and insists he is her partner. At first glance, he is a seemingly devoted husband who insists everything is fine. However, as Kay begins to unravel her past and question her present, the mask of domestic normalcy crumbles to reveal a disturbing portrait of psychological manipulation, blurred reality, and repressed identity. Though outwardly kind and concerned, Morgan’s presence carries an unsettling edge. His controlling behavior and cryptic remarks suggest he may be guarding secrets about who Kay really is, and what she might be running from.

 

Jeff Gladstone is hauntingly effective as Morgan, imbuing the character with a chilling blend of charm, vulnerability, and menace. His performance walks a fine line between tragic and terrifying, offering a complex portrait of a man who sees himself as the hero of a twisted love story. Gladstone’s nuanced portrayal is a standout, anchoring the film’s emotional stakes with just the right amount of restraint and theatrical flair.

 

Looming over Kay’s journey is the Sooka, a mysterious creature rumored to roam the forest. Whether a figment of myth or a manifestation of Kay’s fractured psyche, the cryptid becomes a disturbing symbol of repressed trauma and transformation. As Kay ventures deeper into this surreal and disorienting landscape, she confronts both external threats and the shifting contours of her own self. Kryptic weaves together body horror, psychological suspense, and cosmic mystery to explore themes of identity, memory, and the invisible forces that shape our reality.

Kryptic is visually captivating, filled with dreamlike cinematography and lush symbolism, from Morgan’s carefully tended orchids to the recurring motif of nostalgia and decay. Roy’s background in photography is evident in every frame, as she constructs a world that feels both claustrophobic and ethereal. The surrealist elements never feel indulgent. Instead, they serve the film’s central questions about identity, trauma, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive.

 

The film doesn’t hand-hold its audience, and some viewers may find its slow-burn pacing and ambiguous structure challenging. However, for those willing to lean into its atmospheric storytelling, Kryptic offers a rich, unsettling experience that lingers long after the credits roll. It’s a puzzle box of a movie. Deliberately disorienting, fiercely emotional, and anchored by two compelling lead performances.

In a cinematic landscape saturated with formulaic thrillers, Kryptic dares to be different. It’s a hypnotic descent into psychological darkness that asks hard questions about love, control, and the danger of idealizing others. Kourtney Roy establishes herself as a filmmaker with a clear voice and an eye for the uncanny while Jeff Gladstone’s layered performance cements his place as one of Canada’s most compelling character actors. Haunting, poetic, and richly atmospheric, Kryptic is a stunning debut that marks the arrival of a bold new voice in psychological horror. Visit the Kryptic official website to find all viewing options, and stay tuned to Nerd Alert News for our exclusive interview with Jeff Gladstone.

 

 

 

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