Unfairly marketed as another cheesy cash-in with the success of 'The Exorcist', 'The Night Child' turned out to be an amazing surprise. What really makes this so great is that, although it deals with a little girl possessed, it's done in entirely different way that from The Exorcist, so there's no head turning 360 degrees, green puke or even an exorcism for that matter, yet director Massimo Dallamano manages to make a film that is just as scary and thought-provoking. It's also a pretty sad and moving film, and actually works just as well as a drama then it does horror, and it is very slow paced and it has a great build up. So, as you can see, if you're expecting another 'Beyond the Door' you'll be disappointed. The story works pretty well, and it's actually very intelligent and filled with Freudian overtones. Nicoletta Elmi does a great job in title role and Richard Johnson and Joana Cassidy are also very convincing. The film is visually stunning and highly atmospheric very reminiscent of the works of Bava, specially the small Italian village gives dejavu to anyone who has seen Kill Baby Kill before. Sure, the movie ain't perfect, and there are many flaws, but it is truly a nice gem that deserves much more attention than it deserves. I actually prefer this over the director's much more praised 'What Have You Done To Solange?'. Overall, 8.5/10.
Review of Together Forever
