Wow, what a great film. And the lead character's role made me reminiscent of a time when women were often doubted in their capabilities, yet persevered and stunned the ignorant in their discoveries.
The creepiness intended is so well executed, perhaps it's the old fashioned cars and decor, or perhaps it's the fact that stories like this are ahead of their time, and eerily fascinating. A film like this today would be labeled a 'thinker flick', as today there are seldom any tones or implications that lead the audience to a specific idea, all the while without saying a word.