New Documentary Explores Why New Yorkers Turn to Psychics and Who They Really Are

Photo byLOOK INTO MY EYES

A new documentary titled Look Into My Eyes, directed by Lana Wilson, takes viewers into the often misunderstood world of psychics in New York City. The film, which opened at the Film Forum in Manhattan, follows seven psychics who help clients navigate complex emotions, seek closure, and find a sense of peace.

Wilson, who has previously directed acclaimed documentaries such as Miss Americana about Taylor Swift, and After Tiller, shifts her focus to the personal and emotional journeys of those who seek psychic guidance. The film deliberately sets aside the question of whether psychic abilities are real or not and instead concentrates on the human connections and emotional impacts these sessions create.

Wilson explained that her interest in the topic began after a personal experience. The morning after the 2016 presidential election, feeling distressed and heartbroken, she impulsively visited a psychic. Despite being a skeptic, Wilson was struck by the emotional clarity and comfort she felt during the session. This experience sparked her curiosity about why people seek out psychics, even those who do not necessarily believe in the supernatural.

The documentary showcases the varied backgrounds of the psychics featured in the film. Some turned to the psychic profession after experiencing significant personal loss or trauma, while others were drawn to it as an alternative to traditional religious or therapeutic practices. One of the psychics, for instance, began her journey after dealing with depression and isolation, eventually finding a sense of community and purpose through animal communication.

Wilson's film also highlights the overlap between psychic practices and therapy. Several of the psychics operate at this intersection, providing clients with an experience that is both emotionally intense and spiritually comforting. Wilson noted that while some may question the authenticity of psychic readings, the emotional impact and the sense of closure they provide to clients are undeniable.

The film's opening scene features an emergency room doctor who, years after witnessing the death of a young girl, seeks answers from a psychic about the child's well-being. This unexpected scenario underscores one of the film's central themes: that even those grounded in science and skepticism may turn to psychics for healing and closure.

Look Into My Eyes does not aim to validate or debunk psychic practices but rather to explore the emotional journeys of both the psychics and their clients. It offers a compassionate look at why so many people in New York City and beyond turn to psychics in times of uncertainty, seeking not just predictions, but comfort and connection.