THE PERFECTION (2019)

Directed By: Richard Shepherd 
Written By: Richard Shepherd, Eric C. Charmelo & Nicole Snyder 
Cinematography: Vanja Cernful 
Editor: David Dean  

Cast: Allison Williams, Logan Browning, Steven Weber, Alaina Huffman When troubled musical prodigy Charlotte seeks out Elizabeth, the new star pupil of her former school, the encounter sends both musicians down a sinister path with shocking consequences.

This is a film to best go into blindly. Though as much as you might know or not the film stays entertaining.

As the story goes along it as well as the characters get deeper and more engrossing. As it seems to constantly be changing and opening the story up more. So that we get a better understanding of where It’s coming from.

As at first it seems like a jealousy or revenge tale. Then a body horror film where you believe you might have figured it out then again it changes and we are made aware of new elements. So that the film keeps you constantly on your toes as a viewer.

Once early in the film it reverses an reveals it’s twist you don’t trust anything that comes after and are always looking for that angle and twist and as the film keeps providing them they are revelatory but not as big or shocking. As you are hoping for, So that the film is never what anyone expects at first. Believing it to be another film where Actress Alison Williams plays another character who sabotages and tries to kill/destroy an African American character.

This is not so much a supernatural stalker story as it might lead you to believe. The film tries to play games not only with the audience but also it’s own narrative to spice up the material to keep it far from being typical. Which leaves the film playing so many games that it’s hard to believe or focus on the more dramatic parts of the story. As you are never quite sure why you are seeing this or if you can believe exactly what you are watching.

Shocked that the film has two attractive lead characters who are attracted to each other succumb to their lust so early. As usual thrillers such as this are built upon that lust or feeling it again. Though obviously it is needed for the dramatic perimeters of the story. Which adds to the film feeling like an updated longer episode of TALES FROM THE CRYPT. It’s a film that as long as you don’t think too much the more you might find yourself enjoying. Especially without questioning too many elements that are introduced. Though luckily sticks to more the thriller genre by the end.

The ending is a little more macabre then expected.

Grade: C+