Parker (Rachell Sean) has mental health problems, so she visits the latest in a long line of psychotherapists. Robert (Danny James) – who is keen to point out he is not a ‘doctor’ – asks plenty of questions, which Parker answers with the replies she thinks he wants to hear. She seems to be enjoying winding him up, too. He deserves it, as he’s more interested in his rules and doodling on his pad than taking notes and listening. His response to her recurring dream about a man murdering her mother in front of her is the next time it happens, face the fear and kill the mystery assailant. As their sessions continue, Parker has a proposition to give Robert that she thinks will help her.
Presented across four acts in stark black and white, writer/director Stephen Simmons’ debut feature is an almost two-hander that touches on plenty of material that some would consider ‘triggering’. This is handled well and never resorts to exploitation, but the subject matter would be troubling for some. However, this is something horror does well. It allows the unspeakable to be played out as catharsis, which is what Parker ultimately does.
Both leads are fantastic, even though neither character is particularly likeable. Simmons intersperses the therapy sessions with visions of Parker’s real-life – often contradicting what she’s saying – and when the pair share recurring dreams, the nightmarish images are incredibly effective. Also impressively used is the soundtrack, which is as oppressive as the visuals.
The Parker Sessions is heavy going but a brilliant example of what can be done in independent cinema.
