The Carpenter (2023) is a chilling psychological horror film that blurs the line between reality and delusion, exploring themes of obsession, control, and the dark corners of the human mind. The story follows Alice, a struggling architect who inherits a decrepit house in a remote, forested area. Hoping to restore the home and use it as a fresh start, Alice hires an enigmatic carpenter named Ethan to assist with the renovations.

From the outset, Ethan proves to be exceptionally skilled but unnervingly intense. He works tirelessly, often in the dead of night, crafting intricate woodwork and restoring the house with a precision that borders on obsession. As the days pass, Alice begins to notice strange, unexplainable occurrences in the house—tools moving on their own, ominous noises, and a pervasive sense that the walls are alive with secrets.

Ethan’s behavior grows increasingly erratic, and Alice discovers unsettling clues about his past, revealing that he has a disturbing connection to the house. As her grip on reality begins to unravel, Alice questions whether Ethan is a malevolent force or a reflection of her own inner turmoil. The tension escalates when Alice finds herself trapped in the house, unable to escape Ethan’s influence and the dark forces he seems to have awakened.

As the narrative reaches its climax, Alice must confront her deepest fears and the hidden traumas that brought her to the house in the first place. The Carpenter delivers a haunting blend of supernatural terror and psychological suspense, culminating in a shocking revelation that forces viewers to question the true source of the horror. With its atmospheric setting, eerie sound design, and thought-provoking themes, The Carpenter crafts an unforgettable experience, exploring the dangers of repression and the lengths to which people will go to rebuild their lives—even when the foundation is rotten.