Shackled (2023) is a taut, psychological thriller that delves into the darkest corners of the human mind. Directed by Karyn Kusama (Destroyer, The Invitation), the film blends claustrophobic suspense with emotional trauma, slowly unraveling a mystery that is as internal as it is external.
The story centers around Eva Monroe (Anya Taylor-Joy), a young woman found chained in a remote basement after being missing for nearly five years. Rescued but mentally shattered, Eva struggles to remember what happened—where she was kept, who held her captive, and why she was chosen. As doctors, detectives, and the media push for answers, Eva’s fractured memories begin returning in violent, disjointed flashes.
But nothing is what it seems.
Her only ally is Dr. Mark Ellison (Oscar Isaac), a trauma specialist with a past he’s trying to escape. As he helps Eva piece together her identity, he begins to suspect that her imprisonment wasn’t just physical—it was psychological conditioning. The more they uncover, the more twisted the truth becomes. Was Eva a victim… or something much more terrifying?
Shackled thrives on tension and ambiguity. Its greatest strength lies in its refusal to give easy answers. Instead, it slowly tightens the grip on the viewer, pulling them into a maze of trauma, manipulation, and moral uncertainty.
Anya Taylor-Joy delivers one of her most chilling performances yet—equal parts vulnerable and unsettling. Her portrayal of Eva is unpredictable, keeping audiences questioning her innocence from start to finish. Oscar Isaac offers a grounded counterpart, bringing quiet intensity to a man haunted by his own past failures.
Visually, the film is stark and cold. Dimly lit interiors, narrow spaces, and mirror imagery heighten the sense of entrapment. The score is minimal but haunting, echoing Eva’s descent into blurred memory and buried truths.
At its core, Shackled asks a provocative question: if you’ve been broken and rebuilt, who do you belong to—the world, your captor, or yourself?
It’s not just a thriller. It’s a slow-burning psychological puzzle that lingers long after the credits roll.
