Elyas is a psychological thriller that is a captivating psychological thriller which dwells into the mind of a former Special Forces soldier tormented by his past. The movie skillfully creates the situation of tension and distrust, where the paranoia of Elyas starts to pervade into the sphere of his new work. His paranoia and inner conflict made a feeling of discomfort which kept me immersed and made me feel the burden of his trauma and how dangerous it could be at any moment, and that there is always some danger lurking in the shadows.
The acting is very captivating particularly in the way it depicts the unstable state of mind of Elyas. I could relate with his personal struggle of being a tough soldier that he used to be and a vulnerable man that he has become. The slow pace, somber filming and close framing make the audience feel as though they are seeing the world through his shattered vision, as the reality and the paranoia blend. Such strata of psychological disturbance provide an emotional background and invest all the moments of suspense with personality and effectiveness.
I was saddened the most by the fact that the movie discussed the idea of strength and sanity in the face of inner disorder. The underlying ability to redeem and courage is highlighted by the fact that Elyas consequently decides to face his fears and rediscover his inner strength to save the family. This is inspirational and heartbreaking, as the image of a paranoid recluse turns into that of a fierce protector. Elyas is a ghost story about trauma, perception, and human spirit that lasted and made an indelible mark of hope and strength.
