"Persona" - movie review

“Survive or surrender? Persona tests the limits of trust and terror.”

Survival thrillers often test the patience of audiences, demanding a compelling story to capture the attention of viewers with increasingly short attention spans. Persona, directed by music video standout Mike Ho, stars Shanti Lowry as a woman who wakes up in a mysterious house with no memory of how she got there. As she pieces things together, she discovers she’s not alone—another woman, Sam (Sophia Ali), is also there, injured and just as bewildered. Together, they must decide whether to trust each other if they hope to survive.

The premise teases a journey brimming with possibilities, and both Lowry and Ali deliver determined, resilient performances. However, Persona struggles to fully capitalize on its potential, failing to deliver the level of terror or tension needed to sustain the narrative. The result is a story that feels predictable, even when it attempts to surprise.

Mike Ho crafts a gritty, treacherous world in Persona, showcasing a clear knack for visual storytelling and an eye for the sinister corners of human experience. The film’s aesthetic suggests a visceral, blood-soaked thriller, but instead, it leans heavily on misdirection and inventive sequences designed to hold audience's attention. While these moments work in parts, the overall execution lacks cohesion.

Lowry’s performance occasionally borders on over-the-top, but her scenes with Ali are sharp and emotionally grounded, lending authenticity to their characters’ developing bond. While some aspects of their connection feel far-fetched, they remain believable enough to avoid completely breaking immersion. Andrew Howard steps in as a key antagonist, delivering the type of menacing presence fans of his work have come to expect. Yet, even his scenes left me wanting more—a stronger script could have better utilized his talents.

If you can get through the uneven pacing of the first half, Persona shows promise in its latter sections. Ho clearly has an understanding of the horror genre, and I look forward to seeing him refine his craft in future projects. Lowry makes for a commanding lead, though some moments felt overacted or oddly disconnected from the story. It raises questions about whether certain choices were improvised or directed.

In the end, Persona is a subdued psychological thriller, walking a fine line between intriguing and frustrating. How much viewers enjoy it will depend on their investment in the performances, which remain the film’s strongest asset.

Rating: 2.5/5

Directed By: Mike Ho

Written By: Blyth Kemp

Cast: Shanti Lowry, Sophia Ali, Andrew Howard, Omar Gooding