Narcissist is a 2014 independent psychological thriller written and directed by Hunter Lee Hughes, who also stars in the lead role. The movie centers around Eric (Hunter Lee Hughes), a narcissistic writer who is struggling to cope with loss and rejection, as he becomes enmeshed in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with his former lover, Alex (Brionne Davis).
The film opens with Eric receiving a mysterious package in the mail, and it quickly becomes clear that it's from Alex. Eric had ended their relationship, and it's apparent that Alex is not coping well with the breakup. The package contains a series of cryptic clues, leading Eric to unravel a tangled web of lies and deceit that threatens to consume him.
As Eric delves deeper into the mystery, he becomes increasingly obsessed with discovering the truth about Alex's intentions. His paranoia and delusions begin to take over, and he finds himself spiraling into a dark place, unable to distinguish between reality and his own fiction.
Eric's journey is fueled by his unyielding desire to be noticed and appreciated, even if it means putting himself in danger. His narcissistic tendencies are on full display, as he manipulates people around him and tries to assert his dominance over his former lover. His actions ultimately lead to a shocking and unexpected conclusion.
The film is shot in a moody, atmospheric style that makes great use of its locations, including the desolate back alleys of Los Angeles and the eerily quiet streets of small-town America. The cinematography is crisp and clear, with a muted color palette that reflects the dark themes and emotions of the story.
The performances by Hunter Lee Hughes and Brionne Davis are both strong, with Hughes bringing a manic intensity to the role of Eric, and Davis infusing Alex with a sense of vulnerability and desperation that makes her character's actions all the more unsettling.
Jonathan Looper is also noteworthy in the role of Eric's new love interest, Ben. He provides a contrasting presence to Eric's self-absorption, with a grounded and compassionate performance that serves as a reminder of what Eric is missing in his life.
Overall, Narcissist is a thought-provoking and deeply unsettling exploration of the human psyche, with complex characters whose actions and motivations are constantly shifting and evolving. It's a film that requires careful attention and an open mind, and its twists and turns will keep viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
Narcissist is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 17 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.