Mind-Bending Thriller ‘Psychosis’ Explodes onto Digital Platforms

The psychological thriller Psychosis, written and directed by South Australian filmmaker Pirie Martin, will be available on digital platforms and Tubi from Friday, October 4, 2024. This neo-noir psych-thriller combines elements of horror and surrealism, crafting a mind-bending exploration of the criminal underworld, mental manipulation, and dangerous hallucinations.

Psychosis stars Derryn Amoroso as Cliff Van Aarle, a criminal fixer whose auditory hallucinations give him an advantage in the shadowy underworld he navigates. But when he takes on a bizarre new case involving two small-time drug dealers who claim to have been attacked by ‘zombies,’ Van Aarle finds himself spiralling into a nightmarish mystery that forces him to confront his own demons. With chilling performances by Kate Holly Hall and Henry Errington, Psychosis weaves a gripping tale of paranoia, delusion, and the terrifying impact of mind control.

The plot delves into a world where reality bends and nothing is what it seems. Van Aarle’s search for the truth leads him deeper into a conspiracy of mind-altering drugs and psychological torment. The hallucinations, which once gave him an edge, now serve to disorient and distract him as he faces off against the mysterious figure known as ‘Joubini.’ This enigmatic hypnotist drug lord manipulates his victims through hypnosis, with lethal results. As Van Aarle inches closer to unraveling the truth, he must battle not only external threats but also the increasingly dangerous forces within his own mind.

Psychosis stands out with its striking cinematography by Isaac Szepessy, who crafts a haunting, neo-noir visual landscape that amplifies the disorienting nature of Van Aarle’s journey. Pirie Martin’s meticulous direction and editing drive the hallucinatory atmosphere, while the score, composed by Matthew Morison and Adrian Schmidt Mumm, underscores the psychological intensity with a soundtrack that alternates between subtle unease and throbbing tension.

Since its world premiere at the 2023 Popcorn Frights Film Festival, Psychosis has amassed critical attention, earning a Jury Prize for Best Feature at the Philadelphia Unnamed Film Festival and Best Experimental Horror at HorrorFest International. Martin’s bold debut feature continues to secure nominations and accolades, cementing his place as a rising talent in the world of psychological horror.

Pirie Martin, who has been creating films since the age of five, is no stranger to cinematic experimentation. The founder of Kessel Run Productions, Martin’s work spans corporate media and award-winning short films. Psychosis, however, marks a defining moment in his career, bringing together his eclectic filmmaking style in a full-length feature that challenges genre conventions.

For fans of neo-noir thrillers and psychological horror, Psychosis offers a deeply unsettling experience, balancing moments of surrealism with sharp bursts of visceral intensity. Make sure you catch it on digital platforms and Tubi from Friday, October 4, 2024.

Psychosis trailer