Who takes care of the ones we entrust to take care of us?

“No live organism can continue for long to exist under conditions of absolute reality; even larks and katydids are supposed, by some, to dream.” – Shirley Jackson, The Haunting of Hill House

After the loss of a patient he was close with, medical resident Dr. James Hayman (Namir Smallwood) can’t continue as he was. After a break for his health, he transfers to a small-town hospital to start anew. Unused to small-town culture, he has a bit of a hard time adjusting. Then, he meets Helen Adso (Sidney Flanigan), a nineteen-year-old with asthma so severe she’s being considered for a lung transplant. Her mother (Rebecca Spence) seems obsessive even under the circumstances, and something about Helen’s medical history doesn’t add up. But Helen remains pragmatic. “When someone is taking care of you, doesn’t it always feel right?” she says.

James pushes himself harder and harder, even through an injury and a lack of sleep. He starts to notice strange art around the hospital, losing time and having strange visions. Is the stress of medical residency to blame, or is something darker living in the hospital?

Rounding isn’t necessarily terrifying, existing somewhere between medical drama and psychological thriller, but it does both of these very well. The addition of some well-placed gore and creepy art direction give it the punch it needs to hit home – I’m still reeling with disgust whenever I think about a certain scene with James examining his injured foot. It’s a film that sticks with you long after the screen goes dark.

As Dr. James Hayman, Namir Smallwood is a powerhouse. His character is rather withdrawn, not all that personable or emotive, which makes it all the more meaningful when he finds cause to be emotional. James feels so real you can’t help wondering what happens to him after the film ends.

The supporting cast are all strong as well. The addition of mandated acting classes for the residents and interns is a clever plot point that helps spotlight the cast’s talent.

While the timeline isn’t always clear, and a few plot points could have been explored further, the film is close to perfect as-is.

Rounding is, in many ways, a literal interpretation of the proverb, “Physician, heal thyself!” One must take care of themselves before they are able to care for others. Whether this means letting others care for you, addressing those hard-to-face past traumas, or literally getting medical attention when you need it, take care of yourself. Only then can you effectively care for others.