A new A24 documentary goes deep on the power of psychics

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As a seasoned gamer with countless hours spent navigating the virtual world and its mystical realms, I find myself intrigued by the documentary “Look Into My Eyes”. Having dabbled in my fair share of psychic readings and paranormal investigations within the games I play, I can’t help but draw a parallel between these digital experiences and the world portrayed in this film.

In the late ’90s and early 2000s, TV psychic John Edward amassed a fortune by traveling across the country, allegedly communicating with the deceased for their relatives and spreading messages of love from the afterlife. Similar to other self-proclaimed “Sixth Sense” psychics who profit off the sorrow of the bereaved, Edward is often subject to scrutiny by skeptics who argue that his abilities can be explained by parlor tricks rather than genuine psychic powers. In essence, Edward, much like early 20th-century seance performers, is a showman, but the illusions he creates resonate deeply with people. Is this magic real in a traditional sense?

Edward’s business (grift?) comes to mind watching the trailer for Look Into My Eyes, a new documentary from director Lana Wilson (Miss Americana, After Tiller) and A24. Set to release in September, the film takes a calm and collected look at the psychic business, following a group of New York City readers who claim to communicate with the dead in hopes of healing their clients. The tone is intimate, more like sitting in on a series of therapy sessions than sensational episodes of Crossing Over with John Edward — and the emotions, even cut up into trailer bits, are palpable.

One of Wilson’s client subjects stated, “I hadn’t shown any inclination towards psychics, but their assistance surpassed anything therapy had done for me throughout my entire life.”

As a devoted admirer, I can confidently say that Martha Wilson stands among the most empathetic and skillful documentarians of our time. In her 2013 work, “After Tiller“, she fearlessly tackled the complex and sensitive topic of third-trimester abortions, always keeping the human perspective at the forefront. Similarly, in her 2017 documentary, “The Departure“, she skillfully traced a spiritual connection, focusing on a relatable Buddhist priest who offers solace to those grappling with suicide. Even when given unprecedented access to a celebrity’s creative process, as was the case with Taylor Swift in “Miss Americana“, Wilson maintained her compassionate and meticulous approach. Without a doubt, she is a remarkable filmmaker, and I eagerly anticipate that “Look Into My Eyes” will prove to be another captivating masterpiece.

As a fan, I must confess that Edward’s psychic sales pitch doesn’t quite resonate with me, but his confrontational style undeniably holds an intriguing power – at least in the intimate setting of a New York apartment, where the act seems to unfold. The film Look Into My Eyes promises to delve deeper into this realm, and given Wilson’s past work, I anticipate it will be as thought-provoking and contemplative an experience as the trailer suggests.

Look Into My Eyes opens in theaters on Sept. 6.

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2024-08-08 17:18