Carrying the candle for the first slasher movie to be filmed in Lithuania, director Jonas Trukanas draws inspiration from one of the keystone features from the genre, Friday the 13th and its iconic killer, Jason. Mainly the artistry is built around a group of kids in a remote location and being picked off one by one by a masked assailant. Pensive makes its own mark in its fresh and original approach to the field; a protagonist who is far from likeable and in danger of being lost in a sea of ordinary.

We begin with an introduction to our intended victims; a group of classmates at the height of their graduation with all eyes on the after party. Everyone seems to have an identity, a mark that makes them stand out from the crowd. All that is except Marius (Sarunas Rapolas Meliesius) who has walked through life without anyone really noticing him. Even his own mother and father have lost interest in him. If it wasn’t for his best friend Vytas (Povilas Jatkevicius), he would simply not exist. So, when the proposed location for the party (organised by the budding athlete and alpha male of the group, Rimas (Kipras Masidluskas) falls through, Marius sees an opportunity to to not only rise in his classmates estimations but also win the heart of Brigita (Gabija Bargailate). Marius learns of a cottage through his mother’s estate agency that would be perfect, and so our journey begins. Will it be one of redemption or ruin?
When they arrive, it seems like paradise for the partying to ensue, but there are these strange wooden sculptures, which serve as the instrument of destruction and the resurrection of a killer, lurking in the woods.

The Prognosis:

By thrusting a nobody at the heart of the carnage, questions will be raised about a protagonist’s approach to be somebody at the detriment of those around him. This makes Pensive a noteworthy entry into the slasher genre and one that potentially provides Lithuania with not just its first entry but one that provides a bold new direction.

• Saul Muerte

Pensive is screening at the A Night of Horror International Film Festival on Saturday, September 30th at 9.30pm. It is screening with short features, Red Wedding, and My Scary Indian Wedding.