Black Point

Black Point (2025) – A Gripping Psychological Thriller Led by Angelina Jolie

Black Point (2025) is a taut, stylish psychological thriller that marks the return of Angelina Jolie to the forefront of intense, character-driven cinema. Directed by Canadian filmmaker Eliza Monroe, known for her previous indie success Glass Shadows, Black Point dives deep into the fragile line between trauma, truth, and betrayal, all set against the eerie backdrop of a remote coastal town. Jolie delivers a powerhouse performance as a woman whose past refuses to stay buried, anchoring the film with emotional gravity and commanding presence.

The story centers on Dr. Evelyn Marlowe (Angelina Jolie), a former forensic psychiatrist who retreats to a quiet town called Black Point after a tragic incident involving a patient leads her to leave her high-profile career in New York. Hoping to rebuild her life and recover from PTSD, Evelyn purchases a weather-beaten cottage on the cliffs, seeking solace in isolation. However, tranquility proves elusive. Strange occurrences begin almost immediately—unexplainable noises at night, cryptic symbols left at her doorstep, and an elusive man seen wandering the woods behind her home.

Her growing paranoia is compounded when a young woman named Clara (portrayed by rising star Florence Pugh) arrives at her door claiming to be a runaway in need of help. Evelyn reluctantly takes her in, only to discover that Clara knows more about her past than she should. What begins as a simple act of compassion spirals into a web of psychological manipulation, twisted memories, and buried secrets. As Evelyn’s grip on reality begins to fracture, she must confront whether she is truly the victim—or perhaps something darker.

The cinematography in Black Point is striking, employing muted tones and natural lighting to create a chilling sense of isolation and creeping dread. The coastal environment is not just a setting but a character in itself—fog, crashing waves, and decaying buildings echo Evelyn’s internal turmoil. Composer Max Richter’s haunting score underscores the film’s tension beautifully, blending melancholic piano with unsettling ambient textures.

Angelina Jolie's performance is central to the film’s impact. She portrays Evelyn with layered complexity—equal parts strength, vulnerability, and haunted resilience. Her chemistry with Pugh is electric, as their characters move through cycles of trust, suspicion, and emotional confrontation. The film avoids cheap thrills or jump scares, opting instead for slow-burning suspense that keeps viewers guessing until the very end.

What elevates Black Point beyond standard psychological thrillers is its deeper thematic exploration of trauma, guilt, and the blurred boundaries between healer and patient. The screenplay by David Callahan is rich with symbolism and misdirection, inviting multiple interpretations. The final act delivers a shocking twist that redefines the entire narrative, prompting viewers to reconsider everything they’ve seen.

Critics have praised Black Point for its atmospheric direction, strong performances, and intelligent storytelling. While some may find its pacing deliberately slow, the payoff is worth the wait. For fans of cerebral thrillers like Gone Girl, The Others, or The Night House, Black Point offers a similarly engrossing experience with a distinctively moody aesthetic.

In conclusion, Black Point is a compelling return to form for Angelina Jolie and a standout psychological thriller of 2025. It’s a film that lingers in the mind—unsettling, elegant, and full of quiet menace.