Antonio Campos and his collective Borderline Films have made a name for themselves by creating challenging films that delve into human psyche. Campos' latest film "Christine" brings to life the story of Christine Chubbuck, the famed news reporter who shot herself on live TV. The result is a brilliantly acted film with a terrific performance from Rebecca Hall.

In many ways the film is an account of Christine's (Rebecca Hall) journey and the events that lead up to her suicide. Christine is a lonely human dealing with depression who has a hard time communicating with people. She is obsessive about her work and fails to take action at many points. She is constantly making lists of what she has to do but fails to fulfill them. For example Christine writes that she will approach George (Michael C. Hall), the man she has a crush on for Coffee. However, every approach is stagnated by her confidence.

Even when George approaches her she makes every excuse to ignore any type of contact. Her relationship with Jean is similar (Maria Dizzia). Jean makes every attempt to connect with her but Christine shuns her.

In a way the film is about lonely humans and the way they cope with their existence. George goes to therapy while Christine's mom finds refuge in a man. Jean, on the other hand, finds a solution not to think about her lonely existence. It is Christine who cannot understand what to do and refuses to cope.

Campos beautifully expresses Christine's isolation as he and his cinematographer Joe Anderson frame her in most shots all alone. One perfect moment is when Christine is watching a couple at a restaurant. The shot begins with the couple and something blocking them. However, that object is unknown until Campos racks to the back of Christine's head. And when she finally turns around she obstructs the couple so that it is no longer seen. Only until Campos cuts to them can the audience see the couple again. Other examples include many dialogue scenes where Campos opts for the close up and not the over-the-shoulder shot.

What makes this film so incredibly remarkable is how Campos keeps some moments light while still maintaining a grueling tone. At many moments Christine is awkward. For example, she complains about the fake flowers used on her set and one cannot help but find it a bit funny but still rather pathetic.

Tthe real star of this film is Rebecca Hall. This character would have easily been two dimensional if not for the tenacity of the actress as she brings this depressed woman and gives her various layers. Christine is a difficult person to understand as everyone is trying to be nice to her and trying to make her feel like she is great. However, Hall gives Christine an awkward walk and her face is very inexpressive. Yet in that inexpressively, Hall's eyes show the loneliness that she is feeling and the inability to communicate. Her voice is even a bit darker in tone, which only adds to her differences from her co-workers.

In the end "Christine" is a richly layered film that will definitely leave audiences gasping by the end but will prove a rewarding experience.

Related