A genre-bending horror/sci-fi flick is always a welcome addition to any film festival. Enter: Affection, a twisty single-setting slice of horror with budding scream queen Jessica Rothe (Happy Death Day) at the center. Going in blind was probably a good choice, as writer/director BT Meza crafts an exciting feature debut full of shocks and surprises. For an indie, there are also no shortage of intriguing visuals to help supercharge the eerie narrative. Throw in a bit of a time-loop twist and a dash of mystery, and only then will a complete picture begin to form. Mesmerizing and boldly effective, Affection brings Rothe’s brash physicality to an amnesia-tinged world.
At the top of the film, Ellie (Rothe) awakens from a terrible car accident, rising to her feet before being stricken down by a violent seizure. Later, she awakens anew, this time lying in bed next to husband Bruce (Joseph Cross) she does not recognize, mother to a daughter (Julianna Layne) she cannot remember having. Despite Bruce’s insistence that his wife is still recovering from an accident that shattered her worldview, Ellie remains convinced that her real name is Sarah Thompson. She has a whole separate set of memories that do not run in tandem with what Bruce tells her. Not even watching home videos can mend the amnesia of a woman who does not recognize her own reflection.
As Ellie grows closer to unraveling the mysteries of her own mind, Affection keeps peeling back to the layers to show the ugly truth beneath. While those hoping for a more grounded movie may walk away disappointed, I would personally always rather the big swings than resting on one’s laurels. Rothe fully embodies this character throughout many various stages of physical and emotional abuse—the skilled actress brings her unique sensibilities to a woman that could have been rather one-note on paper. This expansive role calls on Rothe to embody all manner of different edges to her personality, and she always steps up the plate with a fervent commitment to the material.
BT Meza particularly impresses given that this is his first foray into feature filmmaking. Affection has none of the downsides that can come with a debut, feeling instead like a polished product unafraid of exploring complex ideas. The single setting no doubt kept the budget low, but it also keeps it feeling immersive and claustrophobic. As part of Ellie’s treatment, her husband says that she agreed to no outside contact, including cell phone usage. Cut off from the outside world only makes Ellie’s impossible scenario feel that much more chilling.
Rothe’s latest was a great surprise, underlining her previous work in the genre sphere—including both Happy Death Day movies and the supremely underrated Boy Kills World—whilst seeming to insist that she will not be leaving that work behind anytime soon. As it charges towards a gripping finale, all pieces click into place. There may be nothing quite as satisfying as solving all the components of a particularly tricky puzzle; Affection makes sure that when Ellie’s character arc hits its peak, the audience will relish in having come along for the ride.
Affection screened at 2025’s Brooklyn Horror Film Festival.
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