Decline (2022)
A chilling French horror short in which an Alzheimer's patient's missing caregiver gives way to something far darker lurking in the halls.
Decline - Movie Information
- Original Title: Déclin
- Release Year: 2022
- Directed by: Elise Huyssen
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Horror
- Runtime: 15m
- Original Language: French
- Spoken Languages: French
- Production Companies: 3iS - Institut International de l'Image et du Son
- Production Countries: France
Decline - Plot
Suffering from Alzheimer's, a pensioner is facing his caregiver going mysteriously missing. Confused, he looks for her in his nursing home's hallways but he is prey to disturbing apparitions...
Decline - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the dread unfold in Elise Huyssen's unsettling short.
What if Alzheimer's was more than a disease?
Where to Watch Decline
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Decline - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Elise Huyssen
Main Cast
- Laurent Claret
- Aurore Streich
Writers
- Elise Huyssen
Decline - FAQs
What is Decline about?
Decline follows an elderly man with Alzheimer's whose caregiver suddenly vanishes from his nursing home. Confused and vulnerable, he wanders the hallways searching for her, only to be confronted by increasingly disturbing apparitions. The film blurs the line between the symptoms of dementia and something far more sinister.
What does the tagline mean in Decline?
The tagline — “What if Alzheimer's was more than a disease?” — is the film's central unsettling question. It invites viewers to wonder whether the protagonist's terrifying visions are purely symptoms of his condition or evidence of something genuinely supernatural lurking in the nursing home.
Where can I watch Decline online?
You can check current streaming and viewing options for Decline on JustWatch, which tracks availability across platforms in your region. As a short film, its distribution may be limited, but JustWatch is the best place to find up-to-date options.
Is Decline based on a true story?
Decline is not based on a specific true story, but it draws on the very real and harrowing experience of Alzheimer's disease. Director Elise Huyssen uses the condition as a springboard to explore horror, making the film feel grounded in genuine human fear and vulnerability.
Who are the main actors in Decline?
The film stars Laurent Claret as Mr. Vincent, the elderly Alzheimer's patient at the heart of the story, and Aurore Streich as Marie, his caregiver whose mysterious disappearance sets the terrifying events in motion.
Who directed the short film Decline?
Decline was directed by Elise Huyssen, who also wrote the screenplay. It was produced through 3iS — Institut International de l'Image et du Son, a French film school, making it a student short that demonstrates impressive command of atmospheric horror storytelling.
How long is the short film Decline?
Decline runs just 15 minutes — a tight, focused runtime that works in the film's favor. Short horror films live or die by atmosphere and pacing, and Huyssen uses every minute to build dread without overstaying her welcome.
What are similar films to Decline?
If Decline resonates with you, check out Relic (2020), which similarly uses dementia as a horror metaphor, or The Rule of Jenny Pen (2025) and Raging Grace (2023) for more care-setting dread. Old (2021) and The Vanishing (1993) also explore vulnerability and inexplicable disappearances.
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