Seance on a Wet Afternoon (1964) Watch Online Free
Working-class British housewife Myra Savage reinvents herself as a medium, holding seances in the sitting room of her home with the hidden assistance of her under-employed, asthmatic husband, Billy. In an attempt to enhance her credibility as a psychic, Myra hatches an elaborate, ill-conceived plot to kidnap a wealthy couple’s young daughter so that she can then help the police “find” the missing girl.
Séance on a Wet Afternoon is a British psychological thriller directed by Bryan Forbes, based on the novel by Mark McShane. The story revolves around Myra Savage (Kim Stanley), a self-styled psychic who, desperate for recognition, concocts a sinister plan with her husband, Billy (Richard Attenborough). Myra convinces Billy to help her kidnap the daughter of a wealthy couple, intending to demand a ransom. Myra’s true motive, however, is not the money; she plans to later ‘solve’ the crime using her supposed psychic abilities, gaining fame in the process. As the plot unfolds, Myra’s obsession with her scheme grows, and the couple’s emotional strain becomes evident, particularly when the police begin to take an interest in Myra’s involvement. The story explores the psychological depths of its characters, revealing the complexity of their motivations and the consequences of their actions
This film delves deeply into psychological tension, highlighting the unraveling of Myra’s mental state. Myra is portrayed as a manipulative, disturbed woman, driven by a desperate need for attention. The couple’s fragile dynamic is at the core of the film. Billy, the seemingly passive husband, is caught between his loyalty to Myra and his growing doubts about their crime. His internal conflict adds depth to the film, showing that he is more than just an accomplice. Kim Stanley’s performance as Myra is central to the film’s success, portraying a character whose delusions of grandeur lead to disastrous outcomes. Meanwhile, Richard Attenborough brings empathy to Billy, creating a complex portrayal of a man who is as much a victim of Myra’s manipulations as of his own passivity.
The film’s pacing and atmospheric tension are enhanced by the wet, bleak setting, which mirrors the psychological storm brewing within the characters. The cinematography and the quiet, introspective dialogue contribute to the film’s uneasy atmosphere, creating an unnerving feeling of suspense that builds toward a poignant and tragic conclusion
Séance on a Wet Afternoon explores several key themes, particularly the manipulation of others for personal gain, the fragility of the human psyche, and the consequences of delusion. Myra’s desperate need for recognition is a central theme, reflecting the dangers of obsessive ambition and the lengths one might go to achieve fame. The psychological effects of this ambition, particularly on Myra’s relationship with her husband, are explored in depth, showing how mental instability can distort reality and cause harm to those closest to the individual. The theme of guilt is also present, particularly in Billy’s struggle with his complicity in the crime. Furthermore, the film touches on the nature of deception and the ethical implications of manipulating others for personal validation
After watching Séance on a Wet Afternoon, you may feel a sense of unease or discomfort as the film doesn’t offer easy resolutions. The complex emotional and moral dilemmas faced by the characters leave the audience reflecting on themes of guilt, manipulation, and delusion. The tragic outcome, combined with the deep psychological exploration of Myra’s character, may leave you questioning the nature of ambition and the lengths to which people will go for fame. While the film is intellectually stimulating and thematically rich, it is not a typical feel-good thriller, and it may leave you with lingering thoughts about the darker sides of human nature
