Tag: Horror

MURDERCISE (2023)

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Directed By: Angelica De Alba and Paul Ragsdale

Written & Edited By: Paul Ragsdale 

Cinematography: Carlos Rodriguez

Cast: Kansas Bowling, Nina Lanee Kent, Jessa Flux, Ginger Lynn Allen, Drew Marvick, Luis Maya, Bryan Hurd, Adriana Uchishibia, August Kyss 

Phoebe is an obsessed fitness nerd who gets her big break on a sleazy workout video. After being ridiculed by her co-stars, Phoebe befriends a mafia princess wild child, who teaches her how to murder her way to the top.

This is a low-budget independent horror comedy. That takes place in the 1980s and is made like a straight-to-home video horror film Of That Aesthetic. However, some of the characters being covered in tattoos feel a little more modern-day. Either way, it feels like a lost USA UP ALL NIGHT movie 

The film is full of exploitation and just has an overall trashy tone. Though it is actually a fun and ridiculous film. That won’t be for everyone or their tastes. Though if you go with it, you won’t be disappointed. 

The film is filled with violence, sexual innuendo and plenty of nudity as well as acting that isn’t always perfect, yet fits the film and milieu like a glove. 

What works for the film though is that you can tell that the filmmakers. Truly have a love of these types of movies and showcase their passion for them. While making the movie their own. No matter how silly the film might be. As truly at times it feels like it is only a very short distance from using the same script and easily making it into a more adult-minded film. 

Especially in one scene where a character played by the hilarious Jessa Flux not only wants to have sex but show her breasts and have people look at them. When to her horror the man she was about to hook up with refuses to even look at them and she has a breakdown. 

The film is inventive with not only a serial killer on the loose but a main character who seems to have a mental break and can’t help killing others in her path. 

What helps the film is that most of the actors are so dedicated to their roles that they win you over with their characters and performances. Especially the lead played by Kansas Bowling.

The film never goes over the top to shock or disgust. It seems more devoted to keeping the audience interested. It moves fast enough to not ever be confusing. Though stops off for some extended comedic bits at times. 

This film came together from it appears crowdsourcing (going by how many associate producers are credited)  to make it become a reality that shows a lot of love and trust went into the film. It seems to have given all those who believed in it, what they asked for and expected. As it delivers that to a specific audience and hopefully gains more wandering eyes along the way. In this instance choose not to give it a grade. As not to dim any light on creatives and filmmakers out there whose sensibilities might be a little more singular. 

In the end, you get what you expect. This film was never made to win awards and gives the audience exactly what they expected and hopefully what they came for. It’s an homage while also being a film that could have easily fit in, in the time period showcased. 

TOTALLY KILLER (2023)

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Directed By: Nahnatchka Khan 

Written By: David Matalon, Sasha Perl-Raver and Jen D’Angelo

Story By: David Matalon and Sasha Perl-Raver

Cinematography: Judd Overton

Editor: Jeremy Cohen 

Cast: Kiernan Shipka, Olivia Holt, Lochlyn Munro, Julie Bowen, Randall Park, Charlie Gillespie, Troy L. Johnson, Liana Liberto, Kelcey Mawama, Stephi Chin-Salvo 

When the infamous “Sweet Sixteen Killer” returns 35 years after his first murder spree to claim another victim, 17-year-old Jamie accidentally travels back in time to 1987, determined to stop the killer before he can start.

A movie that one can easily see why there is a comparison with the film FINAL GIRLS. Both involve trying to save mothers from a killer having a serial killer who seems unstoppable and being sent into a different period of world.

Though Totally Killer has its own identity and a mystery more at its heart as well as back to the future time travel element.

This movie really makes no sense but it also doesn’t try too hard to. It’s silly and funny as well as fun. This by the end comes across as a guilty pleasure. It is a horror film but feels more like a comedic send-up of slasher films as well as time travel films with some graphic violence.

It’s simplistic but half the humor Is having a character with modern sensibilities dealing with the less politically correct attitude of the past. As well as the movie is a bit tongue-in-cheek and has a sense of humor about itself. Though staying on the ball when it comes to the story and plot. As well as characters.

Kiernan Shipka is good in the lead role being equally dramatic and comedic when need be. It’s also nice to see a film that is more diverse when it comes to casting and not making it a big deal or obvious. 

Director Nahnatchka Chan’s second movie after the surprise hit ALWAYS BE MY MAYBE also brings along that film’s star and co-screenwriter Randall Park to play a small, pivotal supporting role in the film. 

This plays more like a teen comedy and is a film you have to experience to get the most out of it. Talking or reading about it doesn’t do it full justice. It has the right campy attitude with enough rebelliousness and inside jokes from the culture of that era and movies.

In the end, it is a mystery that has you guessing. Though when all is revealed it doesn’t feel like it matters as much as it should. 

Grade: B- 

SUITABLE FLESH (2023)

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Directed By: Joe Lynch 

Written By: Dennis Paoli 

Based On The Short Story “The Thing On The Doorstep” By H.P. Lovecraft 

Cinematography: David Matthews 

Editor: Jack N. Gracie 

Cast: Heather Graham, Jonathan Schaech, Barbara Crampton, Bruce Davison, Judah Lewis 

A psychiatrist becomes obsessed with one of her young patients, who she later discovers is linked to an ancient curse.

This film has that 1990s straight-to-video feel. That felt like Russian roulette between what the poster and back art promised and what you actually got. You tried to look on the back of the video for pictures from the film to hedge your bets and guide your decision before you took it home crossed your fingers and hoped for the best.

It feels like setting that error too just going by the cell phones used throughout the film. 

What you get is an erotic thriller that has all the elements and the score of one that works as a horror, or thriller with a sense of humor about itself. That has loads of sex though isn’t particularly sexy even though lead Heather Graham usually is. You can also tell she is having fun in the role and fully letting loose.

As here she is sexy in offers glimpses of nudity, but never quite full, but it is in full control of her own sexuality throughout.

The film is filled with practical effects, and Gore that are impressive, even if the red when it comes to the blood is not quite right. so it feels like a Hammer or Giallo film where the blood never quite feels real, which also helps to make the film feel exactly like it is more of a fantasy rather than any kind of reality

Watching it with its fast paste, nutty and horny humor. It kept reminding me of the television show Chucky maybe as they both seem to be over the top and dark-humored and seem to pack themselves on the back for humor, which some might see as wrong. Who would be the totally wrong audience for this film? This one seems to revel in trouble.

Hate to reference another thing, but this also feels like a tale from the Crypt episode and long luckily, one of the good ones. Not as over-the-top as I was expecting. It still is quite the wild ride.

Throughout the film, there’s obviously a threat that literally will not die but as you watch the film, you’re not necessarily worried you’re kind of rooting for both sides in their own way as you just want this story to keep going into see where it’s gonna go.

Watching the film you do they have saved themselves of trouble by just cutting off the tongue of the villain which would’ve made things a lot more easier I believe but then again, there’d be no fail either and that would be a shame.

This is a film for those who, like to take risks with what they watch never quite knowing what they’re going to get but now it’s going to be something different in a bit down and dirty.

As though the film surroundings always try to look glitzy and high-end at heart is the trashy little film.

Grade: B- 

NO ONE WILL SAVE YOU (2023)

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Written & Directed By: Brian Duffield 

Cinematography: Aaron Morton

Editor: Gabriel Fleming

Cast: Kaitlyn Dever, Zack Duhane, Lauren Murray, Dari Lynn Griffin, Dane Rhodes, Geraldine Singer

An exiled anxiety-ridden homebody must battle an alien who’s found its way into her home.

This is quite an inventive film, because just when you think you know where it’s going to go it manages to surprise you, as it starts off, as pretty much a movie that is good that it works like a silent film, as there is little to no dialogue throughout the film, but sounds a score And effort it sounds like a gimmick just to get you interested, but it manages to tell a strong story and uses this little challenge to its advantage that makes it a lot deeper and less common. It feels a bit experimental in that way. Though I am sure some will compare it a bit to A QUIET PLACE. Only this film is more singular and not as violent or bleak.

Kaitlyn Dever is excellent as always in the lead role as she’s almost in every scene and most shots and manages to be a believable character who is ostracized as an outcast in town so you can understand why she’s used to her loneliness 

Even though at first, we are not sure why the townspeople stare or treat her with so much anger, they essentially throw out this alien invasion film. We get to know more about her as she gets to know more about how strong she can actually be, and strangely, this is therapeutic for her, though it does offer an ending that no one could forget. 

Which also helped set this film apart and is definitely a conversation starter I congratulate writer, Brian Duffield on this amazing film, only the second film he’s directed, but he has written plenty others most in the Dean horror and sci-fi genre here this film is just as inventive, but more grounded he still build strong and memorable characters. This film just feels more, and I am not trying to insult his work, more mature than the others.

There is a certain nostalgia factor for some of the audience, who might remember the Steven Spielberg Produced show AMAZING STORIES. This feels like it could be an entry into that as there is action there is also developing character work here obviously sci-fi, a home invasion, film, and an alien invasion film that lasts more than one night and is not in real-time And takes place in a small town

So that it’s not so much Independence Day type, alien invasion film, where it’s more action and dealing with various characters. This is one woman trying to survive on her own with no one really to run to and her experience in this alien invasion. She’s not out to kill the horde she’s just trying to survive and Stay safe 

There’s a reason why he has so many films out there or in production as after this, one can’t wait to see what he’s working on next. No matter what you might think of some of his previous Scripted films and directed you can never say that any of them are basic or stupid. Which of these days especially for a studio blockbuster or popcorn entertain me filmmaker is a rarity.

Grade: B

SPOILERS

The end can be seen as anti-woke as spoiler alert. She gets to be the only one who stays by herself due to what she’s been through and her bravery after the aliens have pretty much gone through her brain to study her. They have decided to give her everything she could want where everybody is nice to her and happy to see her. They’re all under alien control yet she is still the same person allowed to be normal And she likes it that way for everybody is pretty much kowtowing to her.

Seeming, like the aliens, understand her, or respect her for all that she has done and been through, so this is their way of honoring her in their own way 

COBWEB (2023)

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Directed By: Samuel Bodin 

Written By: Chris Thomas Devlin 

Cinematography: Philip Lozano 

Editor: Kevin Greutert and Richard Riffaud 

Cast: Woody Norman, Cleopatra Coleman, Anthony Starr, Lizzy Caplan 

An eight-year-old boy tries to investigate the mysterious knocking sounds that are coming from inside the walls of his house, unveiling a dark secret that his sinister parents have kept hidden from him.

This film feels like Stephen King because it takes place in what looks like a small town suburb and its primary location for most of the movie is the boy’s house now of course adventures outside of it but yeah, that’s a little rare in the film 

That is also the reason why I might be a little bit M night Shymalan as again set in a small town but there by choice. Not to mention the secrets you can hide in plain sight. 

The film has a bit of the vibe of the movie PARENTS, a movie that I don’t think gets enough love. It’s a movie that scared me a lot as a child with the possibility of an overactive imagination and horrors not even contemplated. While through the eyes of a child.

There is a reason it is being called the 2023 version of BARBARIAN, as it reminds you of that film and the others I have previously named this far.

I’m not going to lie here and say that it’s one of the greatest films, but it’s one of those that for me well remembered because it gave you a child’s point of you. It scared the heck out of me as a kid it builds tension slowly, and while it was more of a dark comedy, it did add that element of you’re supposed to trust your parents, but can you in certain times or what is with these mysterious things that they do that might to the world be perfectly innocent but you seem like there’s a deep, dark secret or something wrong is happening. A lot of those same aspects are on display here only stronger and a lot more obvious.

Dealing with parents who are supposed to guide you, but at turns seem evil or even way too mean. Though they say it’s for your own good. Yet keep obvious secrets from you. Then tell you it’s all in your head whatever conspiracy. While your friends not ally is a nice teacher. Who can only help you so much, without l getting in trouble themselves. Though like your parents they are supposed to be your guiding light. Thought at times can be one of the major problems.

As it goes along, you think oh, this is the worst that could happen, then raise the stakes as that it’s like oh another scenario where you think oh now this is the worst that can happen. Then it gets worse again, and so on, and so on. 

It manages a lot in under 90 minutes and that is including the fact that it starts off slow.

This is one of those films you think about more after you watch the film as it stays on your mind.  As while you are watching you are busy reacting.

The film works best the less you know and is scarier when they hint at things instead of completely revealing them. 

Grade: B- 

BUG (2006)

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Directed By: William Friedkin

Written By: Tracy Letts (Based upon his play)

Cinematography: Michael Grady 

Editor: Darrin Navarro 

Cast: Ashley Judd, Michael Shannon, Harry Connick Jr., Lynn Collins, Brian F. O’Byrne 

Having escaped her abusive ex-husband Goss, recently released from state prison, Agnes, a lonely waitress with a tragic past moves into a sleazy, rundown motel. Her lesbian co-worker R.C. introduces her to Peter, a peculiar, paranoiac drifter and they begin a tentative romance. However, things aren’t always as they appear and Agnes is about to experience a claustrophobic nightmare reality as the bugs begin to arrive.

This is a love story between two damaged individuals. As we can see from the beginning Ashley Judd’s character is not only lonely but also seems to be more willing to put up with abuse and the nature of whoever she is dating. As her ex, she has a court order o. Keeps coming over to beat her up and steal her money. 

So it’s not too shocking that soon after being with this new man that she is introduced to, she starts to suffer from the same psychosis.

The couple could be compared to what happens when two drug addicts get together. Where they seem to live off each other and in their own world. Watching this movie they do come off as meth addicts. Even in scenes later we see that they have been freebasing also. Something g strangely even his psychiatrist takes a turn with. 

though there is a more artistic rather than erotic sex scene. Which director William Friedkin has been doing constantly in his later films. As overly erotic as KILLER JOE was, the seductive or sexy scenes seemed more like going for pretty and meant much more. It could be that both these films come from the theater world. So these are the only moments where he can truly try to make it more cinematic with his own vision. 

It took me some time to watch this film over the years. So the anticipation builds up. So that when finally watching the film it is tamer than expected and feels like it needs to be seen on the big screen to truly feel the film. Unfortunately, I didn’t, but the second half of the film is truly graphic and disturbing. 

The film didn’t live up to certain expectations but it is effective to a certain degree. It definitely helps if you come into the movie blindly 

Which is why I believe the second half is so disturbing is that the first half has a few shocks but stays mundane. So the lunacy of the second half not only wakes up the Audience but disrupts them out of comfort and expectation. 

We also watch the breakdown of Ashley Judd’s Character whom we truly feel sorry for from the beginning though we also see how submissive she is.

The last act comes across as downright artistic when it comes to production design and the acting. 

Though he had been a working actor this Is the movie that truly made Michael Shannon a star or put him More on that path. After so far a career of bit roles and more theatrical work.

Harry Connick Jr. Even plays against type in this film. As Judd’s abusive not quite ex-husband 

Not your typical horror film or thriller. It is more disturbing about damaged people damaging themselves and each other. Involving those who are unlucky enough to cross their paths. 

It ends up not being what you first thought when you sat down to watch it, but luckily something much deeper.

There is some beautiful filmmaking here making the mundane interesting and you can feel its theatrical roots. The director and cast truly make the film feel bigger than the location it seems to be stuck in and make the hotel room seem labyrinthian 

Grade: B- 

EVIL DEAD RISE (2023)

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Written & Directed By: Lee Cronin
Cinematography: Dave Garbett 
Editor: Bryan Shaw 

Cast: Lily Sullivan, Alyssa Sutherland, Mirabai Pease, Richard Crouchley, Anna-Maree Thomas, Noah Paul, Gabrielle Echols, Morgan Davies 

A twisted tale of two estranged sisters whose reunion is cut short by the rise of flesh-possessing demons, thrusting them into a primal battle for survival as they face the most nightmarish version of family imaginable.

Even though the film isn’t quite what one expects. Definitely can appreciate it as it introduces us to new characters and surroundings. It as always leaves itself open for a sequel though doubt the survives would be back. 

As I get older I don’t know if it’s me getting sensitive or a bit more squeamish. Films like this tend to be brutal to my psyche. As it might be the nihilism of the film. As it is violent and that strangely has no effect on me. This was actually less gory than the last EVIL DEAD movie it was a reboot and a bit of a remake. 

Here maybe it was the violence towards children. If they were evil would have been fine with me, but here the film lets you get to know them so you care about them. so that they are interesting and you are hoping they might make it to the end. However, when there are other characters in the film they are slaughtered in the span of five minutes. You know that the film is going to need some more deaths. 

Though the film does stay a bit unpredictable which one can appreciate. Though modern day it has a 1980’s/90’s vibe and can spot some of its inspirations.

The film follows the trend of being under-lit so that everything becomes exceptionally dark in certain scenes. You can make out most of what is happening but at times it is tether hard to make out certain moments. 

Even though the last scene kind of explains the prologue and opens up the film to new locations.  It makes little sense. As you wonder how it was so terrible on that floor. You would think the whole building would be suffering and under attack and then the film makes it seem like nope only that one. It’s a big leap but acceptable.

At least it brings the film full circle with the prologue. 

This film is definitely more enjoyable than the last film as it is at least not following a blueprint and is more lively. Even as it stays in a secluded area. It stays entertaining throughout and does have you on the edge of your seat.

The prologue feels like it’s there more to have a high body count for the film overall and give room for a sequel.

This is definitely a film that breathes life into the franchise and gives hope to what might come next. As it goes places other films seem scared of and it feels at times like a relentless onslaught. 

One thing about this film and the last film you can appreciate is that it seems to be moving into more the horror genre of the first film and less the slapstick comedy of the other two movies of the trilogy and the television series. (Which I happen to enjoy). Each of these films is canon and takes place in the same universe, but wisely each film has its own reality and levels. 

So you can almost choose which road you prefer. 

It’s almost like when a silly conversation gets serious with facts.

Grade: C+

THE POPE’S EXORCIST (2023)

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Directed By: Julius Avery 
Written By: Michael Petroni and Evan Spiliotopoulos 
Story By: Jeff Katz, R. Dean McCreary and Chester Hastings 
Based on the books “AN EXORCIST TELLS HIS STORY” And “AN EXORCIST: MORE STORIES” By: Father Gabriele Amorth 
Cinematography: Khalid Mohtaseb
Editor: Matt Evans

Cast: Russell Crowe, Daniel Zovatto, Franco Nero, Alex Essoe, Pete DeSouza-Feighoney, Laurel Marsden, Cornell John, Bianca Bardowle, Ryan O’Grady 

Inspired by the actual files of Father Gabriele Amorth, Chief Exorcist of the Vatican, The Pope’s Exorcist follows Amorth as he investigates a young boy’s terrifying possession and ends up uncovering a centuries-old conspiracy the Vatican has desperately tried to keep hidden.

What helps keep the film entertaining at the very least is Russell Crowe is certainly having fun throughout with his over-the-top performance. It’s like imagine if Anthony Hopkins’s version of Van Helsing in BRAM STOKER’S DRACULA had gotten his own modern-day spin-off movie 

The film saves the best for last as it includes action, violence, nudity in other words all the naughty stuff. Even though the film has plenty of racy scenes means more to shock and show the possession. 

The last act of this film is so off the wall and overrated yet fun. That you wish the whole movie had been like that. 

As it stands out because before that the movie had been so basic and unoriginal. Something you have seen before. though it might make an interesting first horror film for those being introduced to the horror genre. 

It’s not that good but what you hope for, leaving room for a franchise.

Considering the director Julien Avery who has directed the crazy and entertaining OVERLORD 

who seems to be when he lets loose. After trying so hard to keep it simple and build up the tension. So with this film, he feels like he is holding back on purpose until the end.

The film is a strange mix as it seems to want to contain itself and seem realistic by trying to stick to the facts. Though there are plenty of places throughout especially the end. When it feels purely Hollywood-pumped-up storytelling. 

The film feels like a weekend box office movie placeholder more designed to bring in a quick buck and have a top spot for the opening weekend and be a go-to in the following weeks for people. who needs to buy a ticket or see something else other than the # 1 sold-out movie. So this is kind of like a B-movie. As it is more content than memorable cinema

Grade: C-

LET SLEEPING CORPSES LIE (aka THE LIVING DEAD AT MANCHESTER MORGUE) (1974)

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Directed By: Jorge Grau
Written By: Sandro Continenza and Marcello Coscia
Cinematography: Francisco Sempere
Editor: Domingo Garcia And Vincenzo Tomassi 

Cast: Christine Gallo, Ray Lovelock, Arthur Kennedy, Aldo Massasso, Jeannine Mestre, Genghar Gatti, Jose Ruiz Lifante, Roberto Posse, Giorgio Trestini, Fernando Hilbeck 

In the peaceful, lush, green countryside gruesome murders are committed by the dead who have been brought to life by ultra-sonic radiation. Two travelers from the city who meet accidentally are harassed and implicated by the cops for the murders.

This was a bit of a discovery. Definitely a minor change for a zombie film where we actually care about most of the characters/victims and truly throughout the reason for this plague and man-made. Which makes the film prophetic to a degree. Especially when I’m the beginning we see everyone in masks or covering their faces and this is a film made in 1974

It’s a zombie story that keeps getting frustrating throughout as every time the characters have a chance to warn and try to stop the plague. The authorities do something to obstruct them and try to mail them to serial murderers. Instead of listening and looking out for the greater good.

This film is a little more small scale than the typical zombie plague film. However, it does make the whole endeavor feel more like a thrilling adventure against time throughout. As well as throwing in some romantic innuendo between strangers.

The beginning shows the characters getting away from a society that is shown in all its Luster and depravity as going to the countryside which is thought to be a change of pace and more peaceful.  

Once there is death to the main characters it feels more tragic. As the film does offer heartbreak a few times it does offer what looks to be a happy resolution. 

The film Is macabre at first the violence seems more of what you would expect though as the film goes along it becomes much more macabre and gory. Offering both speeds of zombies fast and slow with practical effects and very impressive and one-of-a-kind contacts giving the zombies red eyes that 28 DAYS LATER seemed to borrow from. 

Though it certainly doesn’t have a happy ending there is a sense of justice or at least comeuppance. It also is one of the rare British zombie films of the 1970s. 

It’s a film where at first you know what is supposed to happen but you never quite know when or how for the first act of the film. Where we get to know the characters and their situations. 

Totally an underrated undiscovered gem. That deserves to be well known and is best to go blind. So not so many expectations. 

Grade: B 

TROUBLE EVERY DAY (2001)

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Directed By: Claire Denis
Written By: Claire Denis and Jean-Pol Fargeau
Cinematography: Agnes Godard 
Editor: Nelly Quettier 

Cast: Vincent Gallo, Tricia Vessey, Beatrice Dalle, Alex Descas, Florence Loiret-Caille, Nicolas Duvauchelle, Raphael Neal

Shane and June Brown are an American couple honeymooning in Paris in an effort to nurture their new life together, a life complicated by Shane’s mysterious and frequent visits to a medical clinic where cutting-edge studies of the human libido are undertaken. When Shane seeks out a self-exiled expert in the field, he happens upon the doctor’s wife, another victim of the same malady. She has become so dangerous and emotionally paralyzed by the condition that her husband imprisons her by day in their home. It is Shane’s chance encounter with this woman that triggers an event so cataclysmic and shocking it might just lead him to rediscover the tranquility he seeks to restore for himself and his new bride.

Not going to lie, the whole reason I wanted to see this film is Beatrice Dalle. Who has had me captivated since her role in Jim Jaramusch’s NIGHT ON EARTH and have been catching up with her roles from the past to the present ever since.

So it was her being in a vampire film before that seemed to become a trend In The 2000s and also Vincent Gallo is in the film and he usually makes whatever he is in a little more vibrant and interesting.

This is a movie that tries in modern times to present a fable connecting vampirism to lust. The character played by Beatrice Dalle is insatiable and seems to constantly need to feed. So much so that she has to be kept locked up and away. As she is a beast that Can’t be contained. Her raw female sexuality comes out while she gets her prey by seeming more innocent yet confident in her sexuality.

She is sloppy, scantily clothed in a nightgown stained with blood like an animal but she still contains beauty.

The longing for blood comes across as more sexual with an extreme fetish the participants only find out about too late. 

Vincent Gallo is her old lover who has moved on and has a younger wife. He has been able to contain his vampirism and come off as a regular Joe. Though he is drawn back to her. Even as she has a husband who never quite knew what he was getting into, but accepts his responsibilities and tries to help the love of his life in his own way. Hoping she will become satisfied and normal. 

The film is brutally violent and contains a lot of anticipation that never quite lives up to the promise. 

However, it does show a romantic side as in the scene where Dalle’s husband is cleaning the blood off of his feral wife after she seduces and attacks another victim. Shows a devotion that goes above and beyond. He loves her so passionately that she eats her partners. He supports her. Even as he knows he can’t be with her intimately or it will be the end of him. He also knows and worries about who will take care of her if he leaves or something happens to him.

As he knows no one will be as devoted. Yet he continuously longs for her and has made his own kind of sacrifice for her. The epitome of a nice guy. Who does everything but doesn’t have that spark and still wants your old lover who you both were bad for each other but still carries a certain bond. 

The film leaves you in the audience to pick up on details and read into the film what you believe may or may not be true. 

We watch as their acts are made attractive and delectable. More part of the act of pleasure that goes along with it.

I’m not going to lie, this was my first time watching a Claire Denis film. So I didn’t know exactly what to expect. So by the end, I was disappointed immensely and a little confused. Since then I can’t say I have watched much more of her work. I believe only two other films. Only one can I say I truly was mesmerized by  35 SHOTS OF RUM

Ultimately the film’s promise seems wasted. As we wait for major parts of the story to move or more action that never seems to come.

Nor is any of the setup really acted upon dramatically. As it is never touching or moving really. Unfortunately, it comes across as boring and like it wants to mean something and say something but ultimately doesn’t.

Grace: C-