31 Days of Horror: The Tenant (1976)

The Tenant (1976)
Directed by Roman Polanski

Plot: Trelkovsky is trying to adjust to his new apartment but the neighbors aren't making it an easy transition. When he finds out about the fate of the tenant that proceeded him, he begins a slow decent into strangling paranoia that quickly turns to madness. What is real and what is a dream?

Reflection: This is a part of Polanski's "apartment trilogy"-- a loose link between Repulsion, Rosemary's Baby, and The Tenant. To be honest, this movie is more of a slow burner. Anyone that looks for a quick payoff will not find much satisfaction in this film. But if you allow yourself to dive into the mind of Trelkovsky (played by Polanski himself), you'll find it hard to shake off an unsettling feeling. Great doses of strangeness and use of almost complete silence to make you feel like you yourself are going mad. Also give it credit for subtle black humor. This movie gives me real chills.

Further Viewing: Rosemary's Baby, Repulsion, Possession