“Rounding,” directed by Alex Thompson, is a psychological thriller that unearths the depths of trauma, responsibility, and the emotional weight of the medical profession. Released in 2022, the film stars Namir Smallwood as Dr. James Hayman, a young resident who relocates to a rural hospital in search of a fresh start following a disturbing incident with a former patient. However, James’s journey quickly spirals as he becomes obsessed with Helen (Sidney Flanigan), a chronically ill patient whose condition evokes disturbing memories and unsettling visions.
A Complex Narrative with Psychological Depth
“Rounding” combines elements of horror and psychological thrillers, portraying James’s descent into obsession as he attempts to unravel Helen’s mysterious illness. The film’s script, co-written by Thompson and his brother Christopher, emphasizes a realistic depiction of the pressures faced by medical professionals. James, initially driven by a desire to help, becomes so engrossed that his own health declines. His hallucinations and deteriorating mental state heighten the film’s tension, blurring the line between reality and his haunted past, an element critics have praised as an intense exploration of psychological vulnerability.
Key Themes and Symbolism
Several recurring themes are prevalent throughout the film: professional duty versus personal health, trauma, and the thin veil between dedication and obsession. Dr. James Hayman’s experience encapsulates the challenges doctors face when personal trauma collides with professional responsibilities. Notably, Thompson and his brother (who is also a physician) incorporate real-life medical elements to provide authenticity, with scenes set against an eerie, almost surreal backdrop to emphasize the protagonist’s fraying grip on reality.
Star Performances and Cinematic Execution
Namir Smallwood’s portrayal of Dr. James has been widely praised for capturing the character’s escalating anxiety and commitment, delivering a performance that serves as the emotional anchor of the film. His nuanced performance brings viewers into James’s world, highlighting the emotional toll of his profession. Alongside Smallwood, Sidney Flanigan delivers a compelling performance as Helen, blending vulnerability and mystery in a role that makes viewers question her true condition.
The cinematography by Nate Hurtsellers also amplifies the film’s unsettling atmosphere, using dim lighting and tight framing to create a claustrophobic effect. This visual style, combined with an ominous score, brings viewers deeper into James’s psyche, emphasizing his isolation and inner turmoil. The setting a rural, underfunded hospital further underscores the film’s themes, contrasting James’s idealism with the harsh realities of limited resources.
Critical Reception
“Rounding” premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, where it received acclaim for its direction, thematic depth, and Smallwood’s breakout performance. While some critics noted that the film’s intense focus on its lead character might overshadow other plot elements, most agree that it successfully delivers a haunting, thought-provoking experience. Reviewers have likened it to a psychological slow burn, where each scene meticulously adds to the protagonist’s unraveling.
Why “Rounding” Stands Out
In a sea of medical dramas, “Rounding” differentiates itself by probing the psychological strain of healthcare workers, a timely theme that resonates given the pandemic’s impact on frontline workers. The film’s psychological depth, combined with Thompson’s unique approach, has made it a subject of interest for audiences and critics alike. By focusing not just on the external challenges faced by medical professionals but also on their internal struggles, “Rounding” offers an emotionally charged look at what it means to care for others while grappling with one’s own limitations.
In sum, “Rounding” is a unique psychological thriller that unpacks the complexities of trauma and duty within a medical context, exploring themes that are universally relatable yet deeply personal. For viewers interested in intense character-driven stories, “Rounding” presents a haunting experience, brought to life by an exceptional lead performance and meticulous storytelling.
Plot and Themes
Rounding begins with James’ transfer to Greenville, a small-town hospital that prides itself on patient-centered care. While trying to fit into his new environment, James encounters a young asthma patient, Helen, whose peculiar symptoms and complex family situation increasingly consume him. His fixation on Helen’s case triggers unresolved memories and doubts about his past, particularly surrounding the questionable death of a former patient from a potassium chloride overdose. This unresolved trauma begins to warp his sense of reality, ultimately leading him to question whether he’s haunted by past mistakes or is genuinely facing supernatural disturbances.
A core theme in Rounding is the exploration of mental health struggles faced by healthcare professionals. James’ experiences are depicted as both hallucinatory and realistic, immersing viewers in his psychological decline as his nightmares and stress start to impact his work. The film raises pertinent questions about medical ethics, the high-pressure environment of hospitals, and the emotional toll on professionals who feel isolated or guilty due to past events.
Direction and Cinematic Approach
Alex Thompson, who previously received acclaim for Saint Frances, combines horror, drama, and psychological tension in Rounding to create an unsettling atmosphere. His direction captures James’ psychological unraveling through visual storytelling that employs shadowy scenes and unsettling sounds to build suspense. The film leans on the psychological horror genre but steps away from jump scares, instead focusing on character-driven fear and anxiety.
The cinematography, handled by Nate Hurtsellers, uses muted tones and shadows to reflect James’ increasingly troubled mind. Scenes oscillate between moments of clarity and hallucination, blurring the lines for the audience to create a claustrophobic and unsettling experience. The sparse rural setting of Greenville Hospital further emphasizes James’ isolation and inability to escape his own mind.
Performances and Character Dynamics
Namir Smallwood’s portrayal of James is a focal point of Rounding. His performance captures the quiet desperation of a young doctor struggling to maintain control over his career and mental well-being. Smallwood’s ability to portray both vulnerability and determination adds depth to a character who must balance his personal crises with the demands of his profession. Sidney Flanigan, known for her role in Never Rarely Sometimes Always, plays Helen, a character whose enigmatic symptoms and familial dynamics bring out the complexities of James’ psyche.
Michael Potts’ character, Dr. Emil Harrison, serves as James’ supervisor, initially showing warmth and empathy. However, as the film progresses, Dr. Harrison’s increasingly detached behavior leaves James without the support he needs. This dynamic represents the broader theme of institutional neglect, where struggling professionals in high-stress jobs are often left to fend for themselves without adequate mental health support.
FAQs
What themes does Rounding explore?
Rounding dives into themes of mental health, trauma, and the pressures of the medical field. It presents the protagonist’s internal struggle through a mix of horror tropes and psychological tension, particularly reflecting the stress and isolation often felt in the healthcare profession. The film contrasts medical authority with personal vulnerability, as James’s mental health issues increasingly interfere with his professional duties.
Is Rounding based on real-life events?
While Rounding does not depict a specific true story, it draws on real-life pressures and challenges faced by healthcare professionals, especially those dealing with mental health issues. The character-driven storyline adds a realistic dimension to the horror elements, making the narrative relatable for anyone familiar with high-stress professional environments.
How has Rounding been received by critics?
Critics have given mixed reviews of Rounding. While some praise Alex Thompson’s directorial style and Smallwood’s performance, others feel the film relies too heavily on familiar horror tropes and lacks a cohesive plot. The film’s atmospheric cinematography and haunting visuals are noted as strengths, though some reviewers find the storyline somewhat predictable or fragmented.
In Summary
Rounding is a unique entry in the psychological horror genre, offering a reflective take on the toll that unresolved trauma and professional isolation can have on an individual. Alex Thompson’s direction and Smallwood’s haunting performance deliver a story that delves into the rarely explored psychological burdens of medical practitioners, making Rounding both a compelling watch and a poignant social commentary. While the film’s slow pace may not appeal to all horror fans, its atmospheric storytelling and complex character work provide a thought-provoking experience for those who appreciate psychological depth in cinema.
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