𝐙 (𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟗)

Z (2019) is a Canadian psychological horror film directed by Brandon Christensen and co-written with Colin Minihan. The story follows a young family as they begin to encounter increasingly disturbing and violent occurrences after their young son develops an attachment to an imaginary friend named “Z.”

The film begins with Beth Parsons (Keegan Connor Tracy), her husband Kevin (Sean Rogerson), and their eight-year-old son Joshua (Jett Klyne) living an ordinary suburban life. Their peace is disrupted when Joshua starts talking about an imaginary friend he calls “Z.” At first, Beth and Kevin dismiss it as normal childhood behavior. Many children have imaginary friends, after all.

However, Joshua’s behavior soon turns worrisome. He becomes increasingly withdrawn, violent, and fixated on “Z,” blaming his misdeeds on the friend. He begins exhibiting disturbing tendencies, such as bullying his classmates and defying authority. At home, strange occurrences start to plague the family, and Beth begins to sense that Z might be more than just a figment of her son’s imagination.

As Beth delves deeper into the mystery, she grows increasingly disturbed. When Joshua’s psychiatrist, Dr. Seager (Stephen McHattie), suggests Z might represent a larger psychological issue, Beth struggles to help her son. But things take a darker turn as Beth starts experiencing inexplicable events herself—footsteps in the house, objects moving, and shadowy figures appearing. It becomes clear that “Z” is not confined to Joshua’s mind; it’s a malevolent entity that has latched onto their family.

Haunted by Z’s growing power, Beth discovers that Z is connected to her own traumatic past. She realizes she had her own imaginary friend named Z as a child, one she had long forgotten. As memories resurface, Beth uncovers how her own childhood experiences with Z led to the death of her mother.

Beth must confront her repressed trauma to protect her son, but Z’s hold over their family only strengthens. As Z’s malevolence escalates, Beth faces an unthinkable choice: to destroy herself or allow Z to claim her family. The film builds toward a chilling and ambiguous climax that leaves the audience questioning the nature of imagination, memory, and evil.

Z premiered at Overlook Film Festival in 2019 and received generally positive reviews from critics. The film was praised for its eerie atmosphere, well-executed jump scares, and psychological depth. Critics highlighted how the film subverted typical horror tropes by focusing on emotional and psychological horror rather than relying solely on gore or cheap scares.