Gregory Hatanaka’s Panic is a tense psychological thriller that explores the terrifying unraveling of trust, identity, and reality itself. Centered on the marriage of Scott (Shane Ryan-Reid) and Laurie Panic (Saint Heart), the story quickly escalates from domestic unease to a full-blown fight for survival when a sinister force begins to infect Laurie’s body and mind. As secrets emerge and loyalties are tested, the couple faces a high-stakes battle that is as emotional as it is suspenseful.
Saint Heart delivers a standout performance as Laurie, portraying her transformation with nuance and intensity. Shane Ryan-Reid’s Scott provides a grounded counterbalance, effectively conveying desperation and fear as he confronts his wife’s increasingly erratic behavior. The supporting cast—including Lisa London, Chris Spinelli, Nicole D’Angelo, Johnny Mask, and Shoko Rice—adds layers to the story, though some characters feel lightly sketched due to the film’s brisk pacing.
Hatanaka’s direction leans into experimental visual storytelling, using surreal editing and atmospheric cinematography to mirror Laurie’s disintegrating reality. This approach heightens the film’s sense of paranoia and suspense, but it can occasionally feel disorienting, leaving some viewers craving a clearer narrative throughline. Certain scenes also suffer from inconsistent pacing, with moments of intensity offset by stretches that feel less focused.
Despite its flaws, Panic succeeds in delivering a unique, nerve-jangling experience for fans of psychological thrillers and paranormal suspense. Its emotional stakes, combined with mind-bending tension, keep viewers engaged and guessing until the very end. While not for everyone, Hatanaka’s vision is bold, unsettling, and impossible to ignore.
Verdict: Panic is a gripping, if occasionally uneven, psychological thriller that rewards patience and an appetite for experimental storytelling. Saint Heart’s performance alone makes it worth the watch.
Jessie Hobson