Look Away

Look Away (2018): A Dark Psychological Descent into the Mirror’s Reflection

Look Away is a psychological horror-thriller directed by Assaf Bernstein and released in 2018. The film stars India Eisley in a haunting dual role that explores themes of identity, repression, and teenage alienation through the chilling lens of a supernatural mirror image.

The story centers on Maria, a shy and socially awkward high school student who feels like an outsider at school and within her own family. Bullied by classmates and neglected emotionally by her perfectionist father (Jason Isaacs) and distant mother, Maria lives a life of quiet isolation. Her only confidante becomes her own reflection in the mirror—until one day, that reflection begins to speak back.

This mysterious mirror version of Maria, calling herself “Airam,” is everything Maria is not: bold, confident, seductive, and unafraid. When Maria gives control to Airam, her life begins to change—but not for the better. What follows is a disturbing transformation as Airam takes revenge on those who hurt Maria, pushing the boundaries of psychological horror into slasher territory.

India Eisley delivers a powerful and nuanced performance, skillfully portraying two vastly different versions of the same character. Her ability to shift from vulnerability to icy menace is the core of the film’s unsettling tension. Jason Isaacs adds emotional weight as Maria’s cold, image-obsessed father, further reinforcing the film’s exploration of appearance versus reality.

Look Away blends psychological drama with horror, drawing influences from films like Black Swan and Carrie. The mirror serves as a potent symbol for duality, repression, and the darker side of the self that we hide from the world. It’s not just a horror story, but a twisted coming-of-age tale about a girl who finds empowerment through the most dangerous parts of herself.

Visually, the film employs a cold, sterile aesthetic—especially in scenes involving Maria’s home and school—to highlight her isolation. The mirror scenes are particularly well-crafted, using subtle effects and clever cinematography to enhance the eerie tone.

While Look Away received mixed reviews—some critics found the story predictable or overly stylized—it was praised for its atmosphere and Eisley’s compelling performance. It’s a chilling, character-driven horror film that tackles inner demons in both a literal and metaphorical sense.

In summary, Look Away is a stylish, unsettling film that dives into the fractured psyche of a lonely teenager and the monster that waits in the reflection.