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Surgeons of Horror

~ Dissecting horror films

Surgeons of Horror

Category Archives: Movie review

Movie Review: Spree

15 Thursday Oct 2020

Posted by surgeons of horror in Movie review, Rialto Distribution, umbrella entertainment

≈ 1 Comment

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David Arquette, Eugene Kotlyarenko, joe keery, John DeLuca, Kyle Mooney, Mischa Barton, Sasheer Zamata, satirical comedy horror

Spree is one of those rare treats that will surprise you.
Admittedly I went into watching this film with low expectations and unfairly dismissing it for yet another commentary on the negative impact of social media.

What was presented however can be closely associated with both Taxi Driver and American Psycho as its inspiration. The former is that Eugene Kotlyarenko plays similar beats to the Martin Scorsese classic, and the later for its satirical take on the human psyche. 

Where Kotlyarenko injects his own gaze into the public spectrum is through his offbeat humour and attention to detail in presenting a gonzo-infused view of social influencers on platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Both director and his lead, Joe Keery (Stranger Things) researched these areas to encapsulate the personality that his character Kurt Kunkle portrays.
Profiled as 23 year old in search of infamy through his social platform who will stop at nothing to reach notoriety, Keery demonstrates a believably unhinged individual, a testament to his acting abilities and the level of attention taken into bringing his character to life. 

Fueled by this desire, Kurt rigs up his car with cameras and signs up for a rideshare app called Spree, where he then ventures out in his shortcut to the warped American Dream by picking up would-be victims. At first, we encourage his maniac exploits as the victims of choice are suitable ugly characters that arguably warrant their fate, but the more disturbed Kurt becomes in attaining his goal, the more chaotic and wild his antics become.
Kotlyarenko’s storyline choices are further cemented with the introduction of fellow social climber, comedian Jessie Adams played by a magnificent Sasheer Zamata (Saturday Night Live) juxtaposing Kurt’s own ascent with a seemingly genuine rise of her own. When Jessie comes across Kurt’s radar, his jealousy boils over and she becomes his new target and in doing so, furnishes the film with a riveting climax.

The film also boasts strong support roles in David Arquette (Scream franchise) as deadbeat dad Kris, Kyle Mooney, Mischa Barton, and John DeLuca. Where it does fall short is that initial trigger point that sends Kurt over the edge, plus it lags in the middle act as it struggles to build up momentum and hold the audience’s interests through the leads indecisive phase in his social lesson. 

The Prognosis:

In the words of gonzo journalism creator, Hunter S. Thompson, “Buy The Ticket, Take The Ride”.

It’s a modern take into the current state of The American Dream through the eyes of a wannabe social influencer on a murderous rampage.
There is much to delight in this gut-wrenching flight of fancy, highlighting just how deranged modern society has become.

  • Saul Muerte

Spree is currently screening at select cinemas and available on PVOD with Foxtel and Fetch until November 11.

It will also be released on digital: iTunes, Youtube Movies, Fetch, Microsoft Store, Google Play from November 25.

Movie review: Antebellum

15 Thursday Oct 2020

Posted by surgeons of horror in Movie review

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Christopher Renz, Gabourey Sidibe, Gerard Bush, Horror movie, jack huston, janelle monae, jena malone

There was a lot of promise behind this film from the producers of Get Out and Us, but unfortunately it lacks the vision of those films’ creator Jordan Peele.

Instead we’re offered some admittedly stunning and shocking images of America’s slavery past and how it coincides with the current state of affairs from the supposed land of opportunity.

Both of these world’s alone resonate deeply the physical pains of the past and how the mental scars are still very much in the present. The problem in the narratives depiction comes with the marrying of these two worlds through the eyes of the film’s protagonist played by an incredible Janelle Monae. One can not fault her performance as she clearly pushes her every ounce of emotion and deserves praise for this alone. It’s just a shame that this is overshadowed by the clunkiness of the film’s exposition.

The premise presented to the audience is that Monae plays a modern African American woman, Veronica, trapped in a 19th century slave plantation run by the Confederate States Army. Straight away the audience has to endure the stark brutality and the tight reins that are forced upon the slaves who must not speak unless spoken to and any signs of “misbehaviour” could lead to a fatal outcome of the slaves do not tow the line.

As the story unfolds, the audience soon starts to question how the premise fits into the overall story arc. Is Veronica trapped in a time warp or God forbid, are we about to embark on M. Night Shyamalan The Village venture?

Unfortunately the story centres strangely towards the latter and by the time the reveal occurs, we no longer care and a little rushed to a conclusion that all too neatly into this declaration, which is probably the most horrific thing about the movie. By coming out with such strong imagery, the storyteller is left with not much left to shock its audience and we’re left playing the guessing game and neglecting the core message at hand.

Hats off to the support performance of Gabourey Sidibe who steals every scene she is in. I wish more could be said for Jack Huston and Jena Malone, who are equally proficient actors but grossly underused in this instance.

The Prognosis:

A mismatch of style and substance combined with a weak fusion of the obvious similarities between past and present allows the key message to feel too heavily handled and lost in the complexities of what should have been a very straight forward premise.

Based on Monae’s acting alone though, she should have no qualms about her future and promises to continue to deliver some more powerhouse performances.

  • Saul Muerte

Movie review: The Curse of Audrey Earnshaw

03 Saturday Oct 2020

Posted by surgeons of horror in Movie review

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Epic Pictures, folklore horror, hannah emily anderson, jared abrahamson, jessica reynolds, sean mcginley, thomas robert lee

The Curse of Audrey Earnshaw is embedded in folklore horror, with a fractured community already outsiders from the common world striving to live the lives of good Protestants and reap the land and prosper.
The seed of doubt is always prominent however and amplified when the crops begin to fail during harvest season, all except the land at the Earnshaw family.
As the villagers predicament grows increasingly dire, panic soon sets in and escalates to a pandemic state, something that director Thomas Robert Lee didn’t initially intend to resonate so deeply with his audience but certainly reflects the mindset of the modern world at large.

The kernel of the town’s plight stems from a particular eclipse that occurred 17 years ago and coincides with the birth of the titular Audrey Earnshaw. What is it about this strange child? Who was the father? And what pact did her mother Agatha make in order to flourish so greatly in her crop production? 

The ingredients are all there to provoke the fear and trepidation in the heart of the most stolic of people with the practice of occultism in the soul. When the wind blows foul, it destroys the mentality of those that come into contact with the Earnshaw’s execution.

All of which can only be produced with the masterful direction of Robert Lee and the strength of the performances from its cast.
Notable standouts for me came from the matriarchal Agatha Earnshaw played by Catherine Walker (A Dark Song) who has clearly made some dubious choices but is slowly becoming engulfed by her equally enigmatic daughter, Audrey (newcomer Jessica Reynolds).
Likewise some of the village folk draw the audience’s gaze through the deeply troubled Bridget Dwyer (Hannah Emily Anderson, who is amazing in her portrayal and fluctuations of emotions that her character has to traverse throughout the films’ narrative); the steadfast husband Colm Dwyer (Jared Abrahamson) whose faith is probably tested the most; and the instantly recognisable Seamus Dwyer (Sean McGinley) as the patriarchal member of the community and never fails to deliver a solid performance. 

The Prognosis:

It’s a slow burn which allows the fear to sink deep into the recesses of the villagers minds. 

The strong performances definitely resonate and help to deliver Thomas Robert Lee’s vision and the cinematography captures the beautiful landscape on scene. 

If there is a flaw to be found is that the focus is so intense that it can become overwhelming with the way it’s directed.

At times the pace is painfully slow and the emotions are slowly pulled through the mangler that every ounce and weight of the characters’ turmoil is felt to the detriment of the audience who have to endure this burden until the films’ conclusion.

The Curse of Audrey Earnshaw is currently screening in selected theatres and will be released on VOD and Digital on Oct 6th 2020.

  • Saul Muerte

Movie review: Sputnik (Спутник)

30 Wednesday Sep 2020

Posted by surgeons of horror in Movie review

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

alien horror, creature feature, Egor Abramenko, Fyodor Bondarchuk, Oksana Akinshina, Pyotr Fyodorov, symbiotic horror

For a directorial feature debut, Egor Abramenko is able to inject a thrilling, psychological piece that despite not necessarily offering anything new, does deliver a solid dramatical experience. This Russian entry into symbiotic alien invasion, creature feature horror plays its strength through grounding the fantastical elements into something that feels real. 

Whilst most people would associate the name Sputnik with one of Russia’s finest achievements in space as the first man-made satellite to orbit the Earth, it’s literal translation into the English language can mean ‘travelling companion’, both interpretations can be closely connected with this film. The film is set in 1983, towards the end of the Cold War, when two cosmonauts encounter a strange experience on their return journey back to Earth; an encounter that leaves only one human survivor, Konstantin (Pyotr Fyodorov). His partner Averchenko is revealed to have had his skull ripped open and Konstantin clearly inhabiting unspeakable ills with an unknown entity harbouring inside his body. At this stage it is unclear if Konstantin is possessed or something far more sinister, but his ‘travelling companion’ will definitely become more clear as the story unfolds. This creature too, could spell a new world for the Soviet Union, with the first human encounter with an alien species. 

What extent could this finding have on the country and the world is part of what fuels the narrative, and we’re led through this paranormal investigation through physician neuro-scientist Tatyana Klimova (Oksana Akinshina), and her controversial hard-hitting approach that brings her before Colonel Semiradov (Fyodor Bondarchuk), the man in charge of finding out what exactly is lurking inside of Konstantin’s human frame. Tatyana is instantly likeable despite her cold demeanor, thanks to Akinshina’s performance offering a glimpse of humanity and frailty beneath the tough exterior. 

Much like Konstantin’s condition, Sputnik holds a cool exterior but buried beneath each character is a warren of emotions and in some cases when unleashed can herald some darkly disturbing truths. Konstantin himself is troubled by abandoning his son to an orphanage and therefore feels that the alien infestation is no more than what he deserves for his past actions. Semiradov also likes to keep things close to his chest and the more we learn about his motives, the more shadowy his methods appear. This is Tatyana’s story though and the biggest twist in her character arc doesn’t rise to the surface until the film’s epilogue, but is worth the wait.

Sputnik must rest on its depiction of the alien and with some incredible visual effects brings a stunning creature that invokes a combination of fear and vulnerability that spreads dread through the hearts of all those that interact with it. Fueling this animosity is much like the human fear of the unknown is that our own interpretations foster at night when we too are at our weakest. 

Sputnik deserves high praise and is worth your time and attention, a journey into the core of humanity, ripping it apart the soul and unleashing cortisol from which fear and our base animalistic minds can feast upon.


IN CINEMAS NATIONALLY OCTOBER 1

*Excluding Victoria

  • Saul Muerte

Movie review: The Last Wave (1977)

16 Wednesday Sep 2020

Posted by surgeons of horror in Movie review, umbrella entertainment

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australian film, australian movie, David Gulpilil, Peter Weir, Richard Chamberlain

Peter Weir is one of the most accomplished directors not just in Australia, but also on the global scene.
Many would know his name in relation to his involvement in the Australian New Wave cinema movement or his high profile American films, such as Witness, Dead Poets Society, or The Truman Show, but back in 1977, sandwiched between Picnic At Hanging Rock and Gallipoli he released a forgotten gem.
The Last Wave is arguably the boldest movie that Weir directed with its apocalyptic tale spun through an Indigenous Australia’s connection with nature and the land, infused with both the positive and negative relationship of the ‘white’ settlers. 

Ever litre of sweat, blood, and tears oozes onto the screen with harmonious energy, rippling through every crevice of the narrative, to explode in a maelstrom of emotion and torment. 

At its heart, the film is deeply grounded in reality and over the course of the story, the emotional weight of our dream-like state breaks through from the human core to reveal an unstoppable force and an ambiguous ending – a message to the viewer of how we’ve lost our souls in an ethereal state, far removed from our ancestral beings.
It’s opening scene is a stark metaphor for this overview, as the familiar barren and dry Australian landscape is suddenly the victim of nature’s wrath as an unforeseen storm descends upon a small remote town, unleashing torrential rain and hail upon a school playing field.

From here, the story unfolds through the gaze of Sydney lawyer, David Burton (Richard Chamberlain), hired to defend four Indigenous Australians accused of murder, following the mysterious death of an Aboriginal man outside a pub.
In accepting the case, Burton finds himself in a world, removed from his own, opening up a parallel existence that he is inadvertently connected to through his dreams.
It is through this alternant state that pulls Burtons professional and personal life apart, and once caught in the rip, he has no option but to give in to the power of water, confront the kurdaitcha tribal elder and be spat back out into the world to confront the remnants of his life in the face of devastation.
Has he awoken, or will he be engulfed with the impending doom, to be washed away with the gulf of humanity?

The respect that Weir pays towards Indigenous Australian culture is its strength and appeal.
Casting Indigenous Australians in their respective roles, among them David Gulpilil as Chris, one of the accused, forced to give up some of his tribal secrets. Gulpilil’s performance is deeply engaging and one of the key reasons that the film is so grounded in reality, serving as a conduit for the audience to connect with the culture and in a way that leaves us questioning our own wake of life.
What does it mean to be tribal?
How can we separate our way of life and re engage with the world? Questions that are so pertinent today more than ever and casts The Last Wave at the forefront of must watch movies. 

Thanks to Umbrella Entertainment, this has become possible and remastered on Blu-ray, DVD and VOD. Its Blu-Ray release boasts some insightful featurettes with Richard Chamberlain, Producer Jim McElroy and  Director of Photography Russell Boyd that are incredibly engaging and further support just how integral this movie is in cinematic history and why it deserves your time.

  • Saul Muerte

Movie review: The Babysitter: Killer Queen

11 Friday Sep 2020

Posted by surgeons of horror in Movie review

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

andrew bachelor, bella thorne, emily alyn lind, Judah Lewis, McG, robbie amell, Samara Weaving, The Babysitter

It’s the sequel we never knew we wanted.

Back in 2017, Director McG (Charlie’s Angels) released The Babysitter with its distinctive 80s vibe, injecting a buttload of energy into a mediocre storyline with a pretty decent cast. Chief among them, was said babysitter, Bee played by Samara Weaving who has since gone on to killer success, notably last year’s Ready Or Not. Unfortunately her presence in the film is minimal and its noted as the film struggles to have the same kind of appeal that Weaving brought to the screen.

This time around the cult members have been resurrected including Bella Thorne returns as cheerleader Alison, Max (Robbie Amell) and John (Andrew Bachelor), given another chance to spill the blood of virginal Cole (Judah Lewis). 

Despite only two years passing since we last saw Cole, he’s certainly grown up now and attending high school, but still carries the social awkwardness and is heavily reliant on the medication that his parents insist that he takes. Unfortunately for Cole, his misfit demeanor is not the only thing that ails him. Having survived his ordeal as against the demonic cult, no one believes his tale, subject him further down the ranks of ridicule. The only person who believes him is his friend Melanie played once again by Emily Alyn Lind (Doctor Sleep) and thank God, as she is probably this film’s saving grace. Lind has grown in confidence on screen and it shows, commanding every scene that she is in.

Melanie persuades a downbeat Cole to join her and her friends for a weekend away at the lake, which at first he is reluctant to do, but when it appears that his parents are hellbent on sending him to a psychiatric school, he swiftly changes his mind.

Here the film takes a slight detour from its predecessor. Instead of being holed up at home, Cole has to pit his wits against the cult members, (who have had a few additions along the way) out in the open.

Speaking of comparisons, some of the problem that this sequel offers is that it continues to deliver the same notes from the first film only a little bit more amped up. Also, some of the characters just come across as annoying. Having said that, the film still ticks along at a steady pace and while it does so manages to entertain.

The Prognosis:

Like most sequels, this film never quite matches the energy that the first film laid out, but let’s face it, neither film was setting the bar high. 

What Killer Queen does deliver is pure popcorn. If you give in to its sins, and accept it for what it is, strangely, it comes across as a fun and enjoyable little flick.

  • Saul Muerte

Movie review: Becky

09 Wednesday Sep 2020

Posted by surgeons of horror in Movie review

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amanda brugel, cary murnion, joel mchale, jonathon milott, kevin james, lulu wilson, nima fakhrara, umbrella entertainment

For some, this movie will be hard to get past the casting of Kevin James as its lead villain, a man synonymous with lukewarm comedy, but given that fellow comedian, Simon Pegg had been initially touted the role for, one can start to see that the filmmakers never intended this film to be an out and out horror/thriller and would have their tongues firmly planted in the black comedy buccal. The fact that Community’s Joel McHale is also attached to the film only supports this notion further.

There are the subtle comparisons to Wes Craven’s Last House On The Left with its home invasion at the hands of some escaped convicts, but perhaps the better differentiation is that of Home Alone with the DIY skills wretched up to some gloriously gory and macabre moments.

The premise of the film rests solely on the darkly disturbing Becky, a character that relies on the strength of the performance from Lulu Wilson (Ouija: Origin of Evil, Annabelle: Creation, House On Haunted Hill), who’s calibre of movies alone should tell you that she’s no stranger to mayhem and dread. Wilson owns this film and appears to relish her turn as bratty, teenager with a broken heart, and flipping to ‘seriously don’t fuck with me’ menace. I’ll admit that I had my reservations, especially for a time when the film appeared balanced on her grief and pain from the loss of her mother. So easily it could have walked the path of predictability, but the killer switch comes from that ‘eye for an eye’ moment in the film when everything turns on its head and you believe her inner rage and turmoil as it is ejected to the surface. 

From there on in, you’re along for the ride and just want her anarchy to reign supreme.

The premise of the film has Becky going away with her estranged Dad (McHale) to her old family lake house retreat, only to be welcomed by her Dad’s fiance, Kayla (Amanda Brugel – Jason X) and her son, Ty. Let’s just say that Becky isn’t a fan of the suggested idea of a blended family, but that’s the least of her troubles when escaped prisoner and Neo-Nazi (as if to make James’ role more intimidating), Dominick and his crew come knocking for some hidden trophy.
There are some great moments towards the beginning of the movie where the captured images portray Lulu’s life in juxtaposition to the life of an inmate, suggesting her imprisonment from the world around her. It is this wall that she has placed around her to protect her or isolate her from everything that will be torn down, bit only in the wake of some devastating ordeal.

It’s the anarchic moments that truly lift this film from revenge flick doldrums however, as directors Jonathan Milott and Cary Murnion amp up the special effects and bring home the gore, and with it unleashing Becky’s zealot for death and destruction, serving as an outlet for her inner rage. Peppered with Nima Fakhrara’s kicking score, these moments are a mix of camp and gross out horror, the pick of the bunch going to a certain outboard motor. 

The Prognosis:

Don’t necessarily judge the book from its cover.

Becky may appear to be your usual revenge home invasion flick but its pulse is beating pure mayhem and delight that will suit fans of gore.

Kevin James may not fit the bill as the film’s villain, but this is Lulu Wilson’s movie and she owns her titular role as the teenager on the brink of rage and turmoil.
When she is unleashed, there is no holding back.

  • Saul Muerte

Movie review: The New Mutants

06 Sunday Sep 2020

Posted by surgeons of horror in Movie review

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20th century fox, anya taylor joy, blu hunt, charlie heaton, disney, henry zaga, josh boone, maisie williams, marvel, the new mutants

For a time it felt like this movie wasn’t ever going to materialise, shapeshifting more times than Mystique.
When news spread that director Josh Boone was intending to create Mutant horror film, this surgeon’s interests were piqued. Even with its YA moniker attached proved no obstacle for my expectations at the thought of a dark world to be explored. So it was with much disappointment that constant barriers were thrust in its way including the transition under the Disney umbrella with fears that it would soften the scare factor, the interest started to wane.
Despite this, I was still intent on seeing the final product, so when it finally surfaced this week, I propelled it to the top of my list and while it fell short in some areas, the end result is far from tragic with Boone serving up a decent film.

The concept follows Dani Moonstar (Psyche) played by Blu Hunt, a young Cheyenne girl whose village is attacked by an unknown entity. She awakens in a hospital under the guidance of Dr. Reyes, the only adult visible in the entire film. Joining Dani in the unit are a batch of young mutant misfits that promise to be a more credible group with super powers than The Dream Warriors could muster.
Making up the motley crew is Magik, a Russian with the power of teleportation, among other things, who serves as the needle in Dani’s back for most of the film and could seriously com across as two-dimensional, but thankfully Anya Taylor-Joy (The VVitch) manages to sharpen some further  points to her character adding much needed dexterity. 
Charlie Heaton (Stranger Things) is equally enjoyable on screen as Cannonball, a tortured soul with the power of jet propulsion. There are times that Heaton’s brooding presence appears to tap into James Dean’s aura with his performance, stealing the audience’s gaze with some subtle movements, which at times makes you wish he had more screen time.
Henry Zaga’s (Teen Wolf)  portrayal of Sunspot feels a little under cooked for a super hero who’s ability is to channel solar power, and as such feels the weaker of the group. If anything it’s Maisie Williams’ (Game of Thrones) performance of Wolfsbane, a mutant with lycanthrope abilities that outshines her counterparts with a beautiful blend of strength and vulnerability. She’s such a joy to watch and continues to deliver characters with so many layers and blends them with her own special touch.

All of this serves well for the narrative that forces this mismatched group together for a common cause when another unknown  entity appears to be attacking their weaknesses. It’s one nagging point for me however, is that by placing Dani as our central protagonist and surrounding her with mystery, she has very little to do other than to serve as our narrator until her ability is able to be unleashed.

The Prognosis:

With all the promise of a horror film tied into the Marvel universe, The New Mutants suffers under the shroud of its YA genre and fails to deliver anything truly fearful.

It does however, serve a semi-decent psychological movie, tapping into the mindset of troubled youths imprisoned in a world where they must discover themselves in order to survive.  

  • Saul Muerte

Retrospective: The Ghost of Frankenstein (1942)

23 Sunday Aug 2020

Posted by surgeons of horror in Movie review, retrospective

≈ 3 Comments

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Bela Lugosi, cedric hardwicke, Frankenstein, lionel atwill, Lon Chaney Jr, ralph bellamy, Universal, Universal Horror, universal pictures

There’s a warm familiarity about Universal’s fourth Frankenstein instalment. Where other classic monster films have struggled to continue their respective story arcs, the Mary Shelley inspired creature horror manages to breathe new life into the story this far.

Serving as a companion piece to its predecessor, Son of Frankenstein,  the story follows the devious Ygor (Bela Lugosi reprising his role) who managed to survive alongside the creature and tries to exert his power once again.

Despite Karloff’s absence as the walking husk, Lon Chaney Jr steps into the big shoes and dons the bolts effectively. In particular the running theme with the creatures’ connection with a young village girl, Cloestine, a symbol of innocence and purity. In James Whale’s original Frankenstein, this is snuffed out, so the threat hangs in the air despite it coming from a genuine place of curiosity and the need to be like her.

Joining the main players is another strong ensemble with Cedric Hardwicke as Frankenstein’s descendant, Lionel Atwill as the misguided assistant Dr. Bohmer, Ralph Bellamy as the steadfast representative of the law Erik Ernst, and Evelyn Ankers as Elsa Frankenstein (whose name is a delightful nod to The Bride of Frankenstein’s Elsa Lancaster).

The drive in this film is a mixture of writing the wrongs and striving to better oneself. The creature longs to be accepted, Frankenstein sees the opportunity to clear his family name through a brain transplant using a suitable host: not a criminal mind, and Dr. Bohmer driven by the need to be recognised in his profession.

This is Lugosi’s show though and he relishes expanding on the character of Ygor wanting initially to strive away from his deformity but throughout the film transforming this gaze to one of power.

The screenplay written by W. Scott Darling weaves in some weaves in some typical tropes that is instantly recognisable from the franchise such as the lynch mob wielding torches that bookends the film and even places the shocking theme of gassing into the mix, a subject that would have had strong reactions at the time. This combined with the direction of Erie C. Kenton delivers another strong entry into the franchise and Universal Horror.

  • Saul Muerte

Movie review: Relic (2020)

16 Sunday Aug 2020

Posted by surgeons of horror in Movie review

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Bella Heathcote, Emily Mortimer, Natalie Erika James, Robyn Nevin

There’s good reason that Relic has been closely associated with The Babadook, not just because it’s Australian genesis but also as it manages to expose one of humanities greatest fears from the perspective of a directorial feature debut.
Where The Babadook shone a light on grief, and how it can it can take hold of our sanity, Relic puts our response to dementia under scrutiny.

Natalie Erika James proves that she can handle the strong subject matter head on and guide highly esteemed actors Robyn Nevin (Edna) and Emily Mortimer (Kay) in a mother / daughter relationship that is already estranged but the chasm of time  exposes this further through Edna’s deteriorating condition.

Muddying the waters is this strange notion that all is not as it seems at the family abode, with a dark presence lurking in the shadows.
Rounding out the trio and providing a third  generation into the mix is granddaughter Sam (Bella Heathcote – cutting an impressive performance alongside her costars) who equally has distanced from her mother but holds a strong connection to her grandmother, willing to put a life which holds little meaning on hold to try and aid Edna’s needs, so that she doesn’t get sent to an elderly home.
Part of this films appeal definitely comes from the way the three relatives interact with one another, in some cases trust are brought to light, in others harbours away and kept from the audience as such family stories often do, but the depth of their emotional hardship is etched on the faces of the characters.
Again, a testament to the talent involved but also the strength of the script written by James and her cowriter Cristian White.
The film lures you into the mystery as Kay and Sam are called to Edna’s house when they hear of her disappearance.
It’s the crisis point that unites each relative together as they try to understand the unknown while finding themselves along the way. In order to do so however, they must face the demon head on and either vanquish or embrace it.

The Prognosis:

At its heart, Relic is a story of love and hope. When these are challenged, we’re left with hardships and invisible barriers preventing any chance of rehabilitation.
Dementia is such a harrowing experience for all involved and using horror as its genre of choice, James weaves together a story that delivers the turmoil not captured since Sarah Polley’s Away From Her.

  • Saul Muerte
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