Look Away Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A socially awkward teen stares too long into a mirror, accidentally unleashes her inner Regina George, and chaos ensues, proving that sometimes the real monsters are inside (literally).

🍿 Look Away: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Maria’s Isolation

Maria is a shy, insecure high school student who struggles with bullying, a distant father obsessed with appearances, and a depressed mother. She feels invisible and alone, lacking genuine connection with her peers and family. This isolation drives her to confide in her reflection, seeking solace in the mirror.

The Mirror’s Reflection: Airam

One day, Maria’s reflection begins to talk back, introducing herself as Airam. Airam is confident, assertive, and encourages Maria to embrace her suppressed desires and fight back against those who mistreat her. Airam presents herself as a supportive figure, offering Maria the strength she believes she lacks.

The Switch and Unleashed Vengeance

At a school skating party where Maria is humiliated, she finally agrees to switch places with Airam. Once in control, Airam begins to exact revenge on those who have wronged Maria, starting with her bully, Mark. As Airam’s actions become increasingly violent, Maria struggles to regain control, trapped within the mirror.

Escalating Violence and a Shattered Family

Airam’s vengeance escalates, targeting not only Maria’s bullies but also her best friend, Lily, and even Sean, the boy Maria has a crush on. Airam’s actions reveal a darker side, as she manipulates and destroys everything in Maria’s life. Her actions culminate in a confrontation with Maria’s father, Dan.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Maria (India Eisley): A shy and alienated high school student who switches places with her sinister mirror image.
• Airam (India Eisley): Maria’s confident and malevolent mirror image who takes over her life.
• Dan (Jason Isaacs): Maria’s perfectionist and emotionally distant father, a plastic surgeon.
• Amy (Mira Sorvino): Maria’s depressed mother who struggles with her own mental health.
• Lily (Penelope Mitchell): Maria’s seemingly supportive but ultimately selfish and possessive best friend.
• Sean (Harrison Sloan Gilbertson): Lily’s boyfriend and Maria’s crush, who shows kindness to Maria.
• Mark (John C. MacDonald): A school bully who torments Maria, triggering her transformation.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Dan: “What do you see, hm? You see a sophisticated young woman, do you? A fiery, independent spirit? An adult? Is that what you see? ‘Cause I’ll tell you what I see. I see a little girl trying way too hard and looking pathetic. Now sit in your goddamn chair.” – Dan says this to Maria, revealing his cruel and dismissive view of her as she tries to assert herself.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $1,119,537

💥 Look Away Reviews

Personal Review

As a horror fan, I was really intrigued by the premise of ‘Look Away.’ I thought India Eisley did an amazing job portraying both the shy Maria and the confident Airam. The movie had a creepy atmosphere that kept me on edge. The skating rink scene was intense! It made me think about my own insecurities. The ending was a bit confusing, but overall, I really enjoyed this twisted take on the evil twin trope. It’s a solid watch if you’re looking for something a bit different in the horror genre.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of psychological thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in themes of identity and isolation”
  • “Those who enjoy movies with ambiguous endings”
  • “Those who appreciate strong female lead performances”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Nudity”
  • “Bullying”
  • “Disturbing themes”

Professional Reviews

• IndieFilmWeekly: “Eisley delivers a chilling performance as both Maria and Airam. While the plot treads familiar ground, the film’s atmospheric visuals and unsettling score create a genuinely creepy experience. The ending might divide audiences, but ‘Look Away’ offers a compelling exploration of identity and inner demons.
• HorrorHaven: “This is a psychological thriller more than straight horror, but it maintains suspense. Eisley shines, but the ending falls flat. Offers an unsettling atmosphere and explores themes of identity and self-acceptance.

Audience Reactions

India Eisley’s performance was captivating, especially her portrayal of the darker Airam.: The film’s atmosphere and suspense kept viewers engaged despite the confusing ending.

The movie effectively explores the themes of identity, bullying, and the struggle for self-acceptance.: A lot of viewers appreciated the film’s unique take on the evil twin trope.

Overall Consensus: A visually compelling but narratively flawed psychological thriller elevated by India Eisley’s performance.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The director, Assaf Bernstein, also served as the writer and producer for this low-budget film.”
• “Filming primarily took place in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, utilizing locations such as 945 Wellington Crescent for Maria’s house.”
• “India Eisley plays dual roles in the film, portraying both Maria and her reflection, Airam.”

🖥️ How to Watch Look Away?

As of October 2024, ‘Look Away’ is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability as streaming options may vary by region. While not currently included with any major subscription service, keep an eye on streaming libraries as rights can change.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Look Away, you might like these similar films:

• Black Swan (2010): Deals with a character undergoing a dark transformation and exploring duality, reflecting themes of identity and repressed desires.
• Carrie (1976): Features a bullied high school student who unleashes destructive powers after being pushed too far.
• Mirrors (2008): Horror elements revolve around the protagonist confronting evil forces stemming from a mirror.
• Another Me (2013): Features the story of identical twins one of whom dies and haunts the other, almost identical to Look Away.

🛒 Look Away Related Products

• Mirrors (Unrated) (Blu-ray): Inspired by the concept of the movie, a different perspective of what could happen when you look in the mirror, this horror movie is all about demonic reflections.
• Funko Pop! Movies: Carrie – Carrie White (Bloody Prom Dress): From Carrie, Carrie White (Bloody Prom Dress), as a stylized POP vinyl from Funko! Figure stands 3 3/4 inches and comes in a window display box. Collect the entire line of Horror Movie Funko Pop Vinyl’s: Friday the 13th Jason Voorhees, Nightmare on Elm Street Freddy Krueger, Halloween Michael Myers, Texas Chainsaw Massacre Leatherface, Scream Ghostface, Hellraiser Pinhead, Chucky, Pennywise from It, Beetlejuice, Gremlin, Saw Billy, Clockwork Orange Alex, Hannibal, The Shining Jack Torrance, Trick ‘r Treat Sam, Psycho Norman Bates, Edward Scissorhands, Evil Dead Ash, Pet Sematary, The Crow, The Exorcist Regan, Pan’s Labyrinth Fauno & Old Man, Army of Darkness Ash & Shaun of the Dead Shaun!
• Talking to Ourselves: Conversations on Autism, Community, and Hope: Through conversations with members of the autism community from around the world, Talking to Ourselves: Conversations on Autism, Community, and Hope highlights the broad spectrum of experiences within the autism community, and offers a message of acceptance, understanding, and hope.
• The Evil Twin: A Psychological Thriller: Dive into a chilling world of suspense and psychological intrigue. When a woman discovers she has an identical twin sister, her life spirals into a nightmare as secrets unravel and danger lurks around every corner. Is her twin a friend or a foe? Uncover the truth in this thrilling read that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

🎧 Soundtrack

Look Away features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Daddy” – performed by Rotana Tarabzouni
• “Theme from Look Away” – performed by Marcelo Zarvos

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

‘Look Away’ Exclusive Clip (2018) | A Disturbing Exchange

Ever wondered what makes a psychological thriller truly unsettling? This exclusive clip from ‘Look Away’ shows a seriously creepy interaction between the main characters that totally sets the stage for the whole movie. You’ve gotta see this!

✨ Rate