Directed By: Danny Philippou & Michael Philippou
Written By: Danny Philippou and Bill Hinzman
Cinematography: Aaron McLisky
Editor: Geoff Lamb
Cast: Sally Hawkins, Billy Barratt, Jonah Wren Phillips, Stephen Phillips, Sora Wong, Sally-Anne Upton, Mischa Haywood, Katryn Adams
A brother and sister uncover a terrifying ritual at the secluded home of their new foster mother.
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This is one of the most unsettling, yet memorable films of the year. As the film works on a psychological level but also has its fair share of gore that comes across too realistic at times. As everything is not what it seems.
This is a bleak film and world that the Philippou brothers usually drop us into and make us find our way out and try to figure the right path to make it through. Though so far no matter what story they tell and u oversee they take us to. It cuts to the heart of the matter by the end.
As just like TALK TO ME. Here we are dealing with characters who are in over their heads. Not knowing how deep or the magnitude of their actions and what they are messing with in other realms. These characters are usually lead by their emotions. As they don’t appear to be bad people or mean harm but turn blind eyes to others when thorns to what they want and in pursuit of it to resurrect or communicate with a loved one. As it deals with grief.
As usual this film is off center, disturbing and confusing for the audience and the characters. While never offering up any easy answers. While usually ending tragically. Even when it appears there might be some hope by the end.
Surprisingly found this film more impressive than their debut film TALK TO ME. Even though this was harder to sit through, but even as this deals with similar themes and motivations. This feels more original, obviously more disorienting and less crowd pleasing. As this feels more like a mystery throughout. Even as we can easily see the rising manipulation and gaslighting. We still care about everyone.
It also feels like a smaller production and doesn’t involve too many characters. It’s a slow burn that is emotional and sudden.
Sallybhawkns as always goes above and beyond in her performance which is u forgettable and not as briadnas one might expect.
Watching this film is definitely uncomfortable experience by design. Yet it’s hard to look away or abandon. As the story and characters are mostly dealing with trauma. Which the film indices in the audience as well. Truly making watching the film more of an experience than any kind of entertainment.
In the end it’s not a film you forget easily and will still probably haunt you for a while after. This isn’t a movie you simply shake off.
Though it’s give the filmmakers credit. As originally it seemed like they were going to go more Hollywood and make a STREET FIGHTER movie. Where instead they decided to make a more original film that fit into their wheelhouse and allowed them to push a bit further then their previous movie.
This is something you have to see for yourself to fully understand.
Grade: B
