An innocent young woman, who has recently landed her dream job, gets roped into a toxic sexual relationship with a senior coworker.
As a result of the trauma she endures from the relationship, she ends up in a particularly fragile mental state.
During which she takes on a pot of flowers- given to her, as a gift, by the man- as her best friend, and confidant.
Only for it to become a monstrous beast, that torments her both in waking life, and her nightmares.
She uses the flowers as a stand in for the partner she wants him to be.
But it's quite clear, they have taken on the toxic form of his actual personality.
At least in the back of her mind.
Though, the lines between the real and psychological are blurred by a series of synchronicities she experiences through her niece.
Forcing her into a state of cognitive dissonance...that causes her to question reality.
And puts her at risk of losing her job.
The whole scenario acts as a metaphor for rejection.
Particularly how such an experience can affect empathetic individuals, like Hera, here.
Encouraging them to retain a connection to toxic aspects of their life, despite the fact that they are destroying them, from the inside out.
Making the monster she sees, a projection of her own mental state.
As she spirals toward delusion, as a result of the trauma she has endured.
An experience that is exacerbated, amidst the pressure of trying to make it, in a fast paced environment, where the men around her are continuously trying to exploit her (in order to satiate their own lustful desires).
All of which gives the film an air of dark humour...despite the rather serious subject matter it seeks to confront.
In regards to how being rejected by someone, only acts to make us, as humans, seek their approval, even more.
Often times, to the detriment of the more healthy relationships in our lives.
Of course, Hera is not the monster here (as if that even needs to be said).
The only monsters are those who use their positions of power over her to exploit her innocence.
Leaving a broken girl, in their wake...where a proud young woman, full of potential, once stood.
Making this a cautionary tale about the dangers of obsession, and hanging on to toxic relationships.
With a welcome ending, to a clearly tragic tale.
To cap off, what is a great little indie film.
In which a symbol of torment, is subverted into a symbol of empowerment.
A solid freshman feature from writer/director D. W. Medoff.
With a great performance by Ava Rose Kinard.
Talk about synchronicity...
7 out of 10.
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