Pairic Reviews

Love Lies Bleeding (2024)

Neo Noir Romance

[8/10 · 9 May 2024]

Love Lies Bleeding: A much darker version of Drive-Away Dolls, the comedy is sparse and understated in this Neo-Noir Lesbian Romance. Jackie (Katy O'Brian) arrives in Crater New Mexico, she's a bodybuilder, intent on winning a competition in Las Vegas as she drifts from town to town. She soon catches the eye of gym manager Louise (Kristen Stewart). They hit it off after Jackie has a run in with a local bully. Things could be good for both of them except that Jackie has already gotten a job as a waitress at Lou's (Ed Harris) bar and shooting range. Lou is Louise's estranged father who is the local organised crime boss, a big fish in a small town. A further complication is JJ (Dave Franco), Louise's brother in law and lieutenant to Lou. He is also violent towards his wife, something Lou let's slide. But that's not enough, there's also Daisy (Anna Baryshnikov), Louise's ex who can be manipulative and demanding. There are three femmes fatale in this story. Extreme scenes of violence define this film as both Louise and Jackie reveal hidden strengths and psychoses. At times Jackie appears like an avenging angel, Wonder Woman and/or The She Hulk whilst the cooler killer Louise has deeper plans. Will they be a match for Lou who is the very embodiment of evil in a chilling performance by Ed Harris? Oh, there's also a couple of FBI agents sniffing around. All of thus occurs in the Autumn of 1989 as the Berlin Wall falls on TV in the background, local power structures crumble in Crater. Stewart, O'Brian and Baryshnikov are convincing in their different ways as a dangerous menage a trois. Directed by Rose Glass, screenplay by Glass and Weronika Tofilska. 8/10.

Tarot (I) (2024)

Standard Horror Fare But Some Good Effects

[6/10 · 8 May 2024]

Tarot: Fairly standard horror film. Seven college students celebrating a birthday rent a crumbling house in the woods. They run out of booze and search the house, ignoring a no entry sign on the basement door. The cellar is packed with old fortune telling and astrology gear. Thry find an astrological tarot card set and though Haley is reluctant to give readings she is prevailed upon to do so. Sigh. Every warning ignored. It's an old hand painted set with gruesome Arcana. Naturally it turns out to be a cursed deck. Various monsters as depicted on the cards hunt the students with horrible deaths resulting. Some good effects with an attic ladder proving to be a formidable weapon, blocks of darkness and light also attack. The Fool is truly terrifying as he appears, taking the form of a crazed Harlequin/Jester. Olwen Fouéré plays Alma Astryn. An Astrologer who tries to help the students, good acting though her part is little more than a cameo. Nothing particularly new or surprising here but worth watching. Written and Directed by Spenser Cohen and Anna Halberg based on the novel, Horrorscope. By Nicholas Adams. 6/10.

I.S.S. (2023)

Satellite of Mistrust

[8/10 · 6 May 2024]

I. S. S.: In space aboard the International Space Station while a nuclear war rages below on Earth. The film opens with 2 US astronauts arriving at the ISS, one of them is a rookie astronaut, Kira . We see her adjusting to life onboard, dealing with liquids, free fall, dealing with her experimental mice. Six crew in total, three US, three Russian. Kira is in the cupola when she sees flashes on Earth, thinking at first they are volcanic eruptions but another astronaut realises what is happening and seals off the cupola to prevent Electromagnetic Pulse damage. The ISS had dipped to a lower orbit to receive a supply rocket and now cannot re-boost to higher orbit putting it at risk of burning up on re-entry in 24 hours. Before all communications with Earth is lost both the Russians and Americans are ordered to seize control of the ISS. Co-operation rather than conflict is the norm aboard the ISS but this fragile peace starts to break down. Close quarters combat in zero gravity is not easy even for Military veterans especially when you're all struggling to stay alive. The dangers of spacewalks, surprising collaborations, there are more than two sides in the antagonism in this tin can in the sky. A satellite whose corridors are roomy enough for pursuit and hiding. A tense drama with more than a few surprises and convincing effects. Directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite, written by Nick Shafir. 8/10.

Melchior: The Apothecary (2022)

Medieval Mystery

[8/10 · 2 May 2024]

Melchior the Apothecary: Melchior is an Apothecary in medieval Tallinn,, he's also good at solving mysteries. He tracked down the deranged leper who single handedly slaughtered Melchior's father. So when a famous knight is murdered the city Sheriff deputises the awesome Apothecary. The knight had defeated and slain the Baltic pirates who had infested the sea for so long, now he had been decapitated and coins put in his mouth. This is a mystery which involves the Teutonic Knights as well as lost treasures of the Knights Templar. The murders continue as Melchiot has to contend with a hunchback friar and an incompetent builder, he also has a newly arrived boy intent on becoming his apprentice. There are elements of black comedy here which leaven a dark tale. Life is cheap and those who bring bad news are punished, the maid who found the knight's body is whipped, Colourful costumes are worn but the city is dirty and even many of the rich burghers are unwashed. Red herrings abound but if you may close attention you will elicit clues. There are elements of Shakespeare here - nobody notices that a male is really a female in disguise and it also has a touch of The Name of the Rose. The first in a trilogy involving this Medieval sleuth. Directed by Elmo Nüganen, Screenplay by Elmo Nüganen and Olle Mirme, based on the novel by Indrek Hargla. 7.5/10.

24 Hours with Gaspar (2023)

Organ Leggers, Mass Graves And An Obsession.

[7/10 · 30 April 2024]

24 Hours with Gaspar: Indonesian dystopian thriller set in about 2050, Gaspar is a PI investigating mass graves. He seems to have links with one section of State Security but another wing kills his informant and tries to assassinate him. He's also investigating organ leggers, their past and current crimes, his childhood friend Kirana disappeared 23 years ago and he is obsessed with solving the mystery, Flashbacks to that period illustrate how important she was Gaspar. The narrative is opaque at times and you will have to pay close attention. It's all set to the background of a decaying society where health care is non existent. Locals, including Gaepar, depend on a medic from a fight Club. Due to the malfunction of the implant managing Gaspar's dextrocardia, he has only 24 hours to live. He assembles a motley crew in a last attempt to solve all of the mysteries. Good action scenes with choreographed fighting, an area that stinks of desperation, exploitation of the poor, an epidemic which took place in 2025. There's a lot going on here. It has some flaws but is well worth watching. Directed by Yosep Anggi Noen, Screenplay by M. Irfan Ramli based on the 2017 novel of the same name by Sabda Armandio. On Netflix. 7/10.

Dead Boy Detectives (2024– )

Phantom P.I.s

[8/10 · 28 April 2024]

Dead Boy Detectives: A supernatural horror detective comedy-drama television series set in The Sandman Universe. Reprising their roles (as guest stars) from The Sandman are Kirby Howell-Baptiste as Death and Donna Preston as Despair. The main protagonists are ghosts Charles Rowland (Jayden Revri) and Edwin Paine (George Rexstrew), who decided not to enter the afterlife and instead stay on Earth to investigate crimes that involve the supernatural. Their clients are ghosts who have stuck around. They are persuaded to help a young psychic Crystal Palace (Kassius Nelson) who is possessed by a persistent demon (David Iacono) and also help out Niko Sasak (Yuyu Kitamura) who is beset by Dandelion Imps. The Dead Boys are now joined by Live Girls in their investigations. Their cases take them to the US where they clash with a Witch (Jennifer Lyon) and the Cat King (Lukas Gage) among others. Quite dark, with Demons dragging reluctant ghosts off to Hell whilst Death usually applies a gentler approach. As well as Demon and Angry Ghosts. Human murderers are also a problem. Not to mention the Night Nurse (Ruth Connell) one of Death's mid-level staffers who is intent on returning the Dead Boys to their rightful places. Did I mention that Edwin spent more than 70 years in Hell before escaping? It was an administrative error but the Afterlife has a vast Steampunk style bureaucracy. I'm loving this series though it also deals with the personal traumas and secrets of both the live and dead characters. Quite literally a matter of life and death. Too many other characters to mention. Just watch it! Developed by Steve Yockey based on the DC Comics characters of the same name by Neil Gaiman and Matt Wagner. Showrunners are Yockey and Beth Schwartz. Eight episodes on Netflix. 8/10.

The Doomsday Cult of Antares De La Luz (2024)

Dark Stars

[7/10 · 28 April 2024]

The Doomsday Cult of Antares De La Luz: A small scale Chilean Cult which had a larger effect due to human sacrifice.. The founders names was originally Ramon de la luz but he changed it to Antares de la luz, Antares being a rather bright star. He was a musician, tutored village kids, talking heads in the documentary speak well of his pre-cult activities. He took to using hallucinogenic drugs, mostly consisting of ayahuasca-derived substances after going through a ceremony with a shaman who appears in the film. He formed a cult whose members lived a regimented lifestyle. Shortly afterwards he discovered he was God. Now how could you disobey the edicts of the Supreme Being? Several cult members are also interviewed and footage of them with the police is also shown. They don't try to downplay their roles in the crimes but do plea that they were under duress and heavily drugged. You'll have to view the documentary ro learn how the cult moved from sacrificing animals to slaying an infant. Interesting documentary, could have been tightened up though, would have benefited from a 15 minute cut in it;s 100 minute running time. Directed by Santiago Correa, Written by Valerie Schenkman. On Netflix. 7/10.

The Witches (1966)

A weird little village

[7/10 · 26 April 2024]

The Witches (1966): A Hammer Horror production which begins with missionary Gwen Mayfield (Joan Fontaine) being driven out of Africa by Witch Doctors. After recovering from a breakdown she is offered the post of Headmistress of the village school in Heddaby by Reverend Alan Bax (Alec McCowen). Upon travelling to this remote rural area she meets Alan's sister and finds out that Alan isn't actually a Vicar, hewears the dog collar out a need for security. Nevertheless this wealthy eccentric pair endow the village school. This is literally a village of the squinting windows. The inhabitants are outwardly friendly but a an air of menace and suspicion abounds. A relationship between young teens Linda (Ingrid Boulting/Brett) and Ronnie (Martin Stephens) is actively discouraged, Gwen encounters incidents of witchcraft or at least sympathetic magic. This escalates to the point where Gwen is gaslighted. An interesting Folk Horror gem which I hadn't encountered before. The villagers though are mostly little better than yokels and an elaborate ritual though well choreographed isn't particularly convincing. Still the elements of psychological horror combined with a community beholden to the Old Religion is gripping to some extent. The central plot of the The Witches is dastardly indeed and may have influenced The Wicker Man. A quintessentially English folk Horror film. Directed by Cyril Frankel, adapted for the screen by Nigel Kneale from the 1960 novel The Devil's Own by Norah Lofts (as Peter Curtis). 7/10.

No Exit (I) (2022)

Chill In The Air

[7/10 · 25 April 2024]

No Exit (2022): Horror/Thriller. Darby is in Rehab, a recovering addict, she learns her mother is in hospital with a brain aneurysm and due to bureaucratic staff has to engineer an escape. Driving over mountains she's trapped by a snowstorm and has to shelter in a visitors centre with four other people, she soon discovers a young girl who is tied and gagged in one of the vehicles outside the centre. Discovering who is the abductor doesn't solve any problems as things start to get even more complicated. People have different beliefs regarding the reason for kidnapping the girl, this results in a series of plot twists which would be a spoiler to reveal. The film takes a very dark turn with torture and gruesome murders. A nailgun can be a very effective weapon. The weather is also a protagonist which proves a challenge to all involved in this horror thriller. The script has maybe one too many twists, ending up a bit too clever for it's own good. Still, the tension is well maintained, certainly worth watching. Directed by Damien Power, screenplay by Andrew Barrer and Gabriel Ferrari, based on the 2017 novel of the same name by Taylor Adams. 7/10.

Abigail (2024)

Dark Dancer

[8/10 · 24 April 2024]

Abigail: A horror film with elements of (very) Dark Comedy. Abigail (Alisha Weir), a 12 year old girl who delights in her prowess as a ballerina is kidnapped by a six person gang. They take her to another mansion where the caper organiser Lambert (Giancarlo Esposito) tells them that they just have to hold her for 24 hours while he collects the ransom from her father. They will each receive $7 million. Seems like money for jam? Abigail is soon manipulating Joey (Melissa Barrera} a former combat medic assigned to care fot Abigail. The house itself is odd, some well appointed rooms but there are derelict quarters leading off them. The most annoying member of the gang is found decapitated, The others confront Abigail but it turns out that she is a vampire and the tables are turned. While a strong strain of black humour runs through the film this is very much a horror movie, laughter tends to die in your throat (if it isn't bitten out). Heads are lost, faces bitten out and blood sucked. The old house becomes a hunting ground as the gang fights to love rather than be undead. Some interesting vampire lore is revealed as we find out what threatens this particular type of vampire as she plays with her food. Abigail dances with a decapitated corpse, pirouettes and kick boxes ro the strains of Swan Lake, this is indeed a Black Swan. A stunning performance from Alison Weir who was 12 when Abigail was filmed ably supported by scream queens Melissa Barrera and Kathryn Newton as Sammy, as a hacker. A few interesting plot twists as well. Directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett from a screenplay by Stephen Shields and Guy Busick, based on and a reimagining of the 1936 film Dracula's Daughter. 8/10.

Parasyte: The Grey (2024– )

Puppet Masters From The Stars

[8/10 · 23 April 2024]

Parasyte: The Grey: South Korean Science Fiction / Horror series based on the manga series Parasyte by the Japanese artist Hitoshi Iwaaki . Sort of an Invasion of the Body Snatchers story but would more closely resemble Robert Heinlein's The Puppet Masters which was published in 1951 which preceded the 1954 story Invasion was based on. The Puppet Masters film (1994) is less well known though. Parasitical alien creatures rain down on South Korea (and presumably elsewhere) taking over human hosts by wriggling in through ears. Mouths etc. Some overreact and start killing humans en mass. Most successfully overcome their human hosts and live clandestine life. They dine on humans and keep meat lockers. One woman is altrady seriously injured when she encounters the parasite and forms a mutant with both personas surviving. There is a secret task force Parasyte Grey which hunts down the turned humans, led by a slightly unhinged woman who has a strange "tracker dog",. The parasites also make use of a cult/church to hide their activities. Pretty good special effects with some gory death scenes, the parasite humans can split their head into tentacles. The cynicism if political forces intent on saving face adds a satirical edge. All in all a good SF/Horror adventure. Directed and co-written by Yeon Sang-ho (Train to Busan). Six episodes in Netflix. 8/10.

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

A Crazy Road

[9/10 · 23 April 2024]

Saw Fury Road again last night in cinema. Great as ever with the non-stop action and great effects and vehicles. Great production design, by Colin Gibson with stunning costumes. Hardy and Theron both put in impressive performances even if Hardy's was mostly nonverbal. Still think he was too young for the back story though. But In Fury Road I think he built on and surpassed Gibson's interpretation of Mad Max, maybe it's what Gibson would have done if Thunderdome hadn't been made. He was just convincing as the Road Warrior, a flawed hero rather than an anti-hero. Resident Evil The Final Chapter. Was heavily influenced by Mad Max: Fury Road.

All You Need Is Death (2023)

A Dark Song Of Love And Death

[8/10 · 22 April 2024]

All You Need is Death: Searching for rare traditional songs is an art, you can't just be a chancer, you have to understand and appreciate the topic, but there is money to be made, rich collectors will pay for previously unheard variations but will pay a lot more for lost songs, so the trade does attract some mercenary characters. A couple, maybe mid twenties, Anna (Simone Collins) and Aleks (Charlie Maher) travel around bars, houses and towns, looking for old folk songs. They'll even stage mock fights in an attempt to draw out more information, with Anna being the damsel in distress. They get some garbled account of a folk singer who has unknown songs but the trail peters out. They attend a seminar of like minded song hunters, run by Agnes (Catherine Siggins) who informs all participants that she might only be able to set them on the road to finding the rare songs. Impressed by Anna's singing she provides them with the name of the singer. Rita Concannon (Olwen Fouéré), and her hometown, Crossmaglen but claims she is dead. When they finally get to Rita's house they find Agnes already there, speaking to the hard drinking Rita who is very much alive and in a wardrobe. Coming out of the closet she sings a song for Anna which is in an unknown language, containing elements of Old Irish. While Anna doesn't record the song, Agnes clandestinely does so. This seems to unleash powerful malign forces.

Music and song is very important to this film, how old songs are handed down, in this case over millennia from mother to daughter. The main song 1s by Lankum's Ian Lynch and Paul Duane, is really magnificent. The forces summoned up are seen as smudges at times but can forcefully slay their victims, indeed this a gory film with some very disturbing scenes but a lot of the horror is psychological. There are also elements of body horror introduced as the narrative unfolds and we see flashbacks to an ancient time when the events in the song took place. It would probably be a spoiler to reveal much more of the plot except to mention Rita's son, Breezeblock (Nigel O'Neill) a puppeteer and children's entertainer who is as highly-strung as his marionettes as he goes on a murderous rampage across Ireland. Though Olwen Fouéré's role is little more than a cameo it is central to the film as she convincingly portrays a wisewoman/keeper of secrets who is plagued (quite literally) by her demons. Simone Collins is impressive not least in her singing abilities and her change in character half way through the movie. There are some problems with pacing but this is a worthy addition to the Irish Folk Horror Film Canon. Written & Directed by Paul Duane. 8/10.

Civil War (2024)

Traversing A Devastated Disunited States

[9/10 · 17 April 2024]

Civil War: It's the near future, the USA is wracked by a Civil War. We're never given a full explanation of how it's come about, we get hints from throw away remarks, a president in his third term, FBI abolished, tryannical rule, who might this president be? As the film opens we see a president about to face the camera, he rehearses his boasts about how he has achieved the greatest military victory ever recorded in history and demands the immediate surrender of the rebel forces. In fact he is more like Hitler in Downfall, he controls a shrinking area around Washington DC as the Western Forces (California and Texas) and the Florida Alliance close in. This is a Civil War though and fighting continues in other parts of the country often between irregular units. The narrative unfolds around a group of journalists who travel from New York to Charlottesville where the Western Forces are assembling for their final push, and on to DC. Normally a distance of 226 miles, detours take it close to 1,000 miles. Veteran journalists Lee (Kirsten Dunst) and her colleague Joel intend to travel to Washington, D. C., their dream to interview and photograph the president before the city falls. An old reporter friend Sammy asks to come as far as Charlottesville, as does a young photographer, Jesse (Cailee Spaeny).

They traverse a devastated country, fighting still going on in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The neophyte Jesse gradually becoming a better war photographer, Lee is less protective of her, The savagery of the war is plain to see with a mass grave of victims slaughtered by the presidents partisans but even the rebel irregulars are prepared to shoot surrendering enemy combatants. The action is convincing, especially when the photographers are in the thick of the combat, stills appearing mid action provide even greater verisimilitude. The US dollar isn't worth much outside of cities, it takes Canadian dollars to buy gas, looters are tortured, a suicide bomber waving the stars and stripes blows up police and thirsty civilians as they gather around a water truck in New York, the UN run refugee camps; remember this is in the US. This film is reminiscent of Under Fire, which also featured journalists in the last days of a civil war. Great performances from Kirsten Dunst and Cailee Spaeny. A cautionary dystopian tale perhaps rather than a prediction. Directed and written by Alex Garland. 8.5/10.

Anthracite (2024)

Killer Cult In The Alps

[8/10 · 15 April 2024]

Anthracite: 1994, a murderous cult commit mass suicide in Levionna in the French Alps, the only survivor being the cult leader. 2024, a journalist who had covered the original story is apparently kidnapped, his web sleuth daughter goes to Levionna to investigate. Another body turns up, are the cult active again? This series involves many plot twists and may well be a tad too lever for it's own good. It's worthwhile sticking with Anthracite though, convoluted as the plot is it involves many interesting tropes. A pharmaceutical company which may be carrying out secret tests on the local populace, a possible serial killer responsible for many disappearances over the last ten years, strange abandoned coal mines which are being reopened by the pharmaceutical company. There are some soap like elements to the plot and who is whose father/mother brother/sister theme which makes you hear dueling banjos playing in the background. It has enough, tension and action to keep you interested as gory violent scenes accumulate plus a nurse who could give Nurse Ratchet a run for her money. Directed by Julius Berg, Written by Fanny Robert, Maxime Berthemy, Sophie Lebarbier, Mehdi Ouahab. Six episodes in Netflix. 7.5/10.

Monkey Man (2024)

Hanuman Lives!

[8/10 · 11 April 2024]

Monkey Man: Dev Patel is Monkey Man/Bobby/Kid, he competes in an underground fight club in the Indian City of Yatana, his job is to get beaten up by the "Champion", he gets paid extra if enough blood is knocked out of him, but he also seeks revenge for the murder of his mother and most of his village during a land grab facilitated by a corrupt policeman. He infiltrates an exclusive club/brothel working his way up from the kitchen to becoming a waiter. Knowing that some of his targets will be there. In some ways he's like John Wicks, he even adopts a stray dog. Teaching it to deliver his weapons. He more closely resembles Martin Feeney from Black '47 though, his targets go beyond the cop who is now Police Chief, they include a fake fakir, Baba Shakti who is stirring up religious nationalism which benefits his henchman Adesh Joshi a political leader who is set to take power in an upcoming election. All three were involved in the massacre of his people, Shakti building a factory on the site if the village. Bobby is confronting a system of power and privilege. His first assault on the trio goes awry and he is taken in by Hijra who live at a Temple of Ardhanarishvara. The Hijra community, transgender, intersex, and eunuch people are also being persecuted by Baba Shakti acolytes. Bobby licks his wounds and prepares for a return engagement.

The fight scenes are beautifully choreographed but also extremely violent, nobody could survive many of the blows inflicted, these are not sham fights. The bouts in the underground club whilst bloody pale in comparison. In flashbacks we observe Monkey Man's idyllic life as a child before the massacre which unfolds in brutal detail as his clan and mother are brutalised, shot and burned alive. His thirst for vengeance is understandable as is the way he deals with the minions of his targets. Bobby has always been inspired by Hanuman, the Monkey God, as he goes through a hallucinogenic experience he literally becomes an avatar of Hanuman. A tale of struggle against injustice and corruption where people refuse to accept the role of victims, a story which seems to be an allegory of modern day India where Hindi Nationalism prevails, and corruption flourishes and the poor can be further dispossessed. Co-Written, Directed and Produced by Dev Patel. 8/10.

Ripley (2024)

The Creepier Mr Ripley

[9/10 · 8 April 2024]

Ripley: A new take on Ripley is rendered in monochrome giving it a sinister tinge of Noir. Largely faithful to Patricia Highsmith's creation it does however make tings clear from the outset that Tom Ripley (Andrew Scott) is no innocent abroad as we see him dragging a body down a stairs observed by a cat, Luigio, who inadvertently (?) becomes Tom's accomplice. Fade to six months earlier in New York where Tom is running low level scams, living in a tenement. He is mistaken for a friend of the absent Dickie Greenleaf (Johnny Flynn) and is hired by Dickie's wealthy father to convince him to return home from Italy. Tom travels to Arani, outside of Naples where he visits Dickie, pretending to have met him previously. He enters the life of Greenleaf and his girlfriend Marge Sherwood (Dakota Fanning), both are aspiring artistes with little talent, Dickie a painter, Marge a writer, they do however possess the means to play out comfortable lifestyles. Marge is suspicious of Tom, thinking that he is a parasite, she is also jealous of his bromance with Dickie. A friend of Dickie, Freddie Miles (Eliot Sumner) also questions Ripley's motives. In the 1999 film The Talented Mr. Ripley, Tom was more motivated by wanting to fit in and his resulting violence was driven by jealousy. Here Ripley is more of a conman from the outset and while he does value Dickie's friendship he has always had his eye on Greenleaf's remittance cheques. His violence thus is more cold and calculating rather than impulsive or opportunistic. He always is prepared for violence though when there's a risk of his plans going awry. Scott is impressive as the sociopathic Ripley who is not a pathological liar, every untruth advances his agenda. Good performances from Flynn and Fanning but Sumner doesn't convince as Miles, a role in which Philip Seymour Hoffman excelled in the 1999 film. John Malkovich who played Ripley in Ripley's Game (2002) has a cameo as an art critic. The series was created, written and directed by Steven Zaillian. Eight episodes on Netflix. 9/10.

Emily the Criminal (2022)

Debt, Credit Card Fraud Thriller

[8/10 · 6 April 2024]

Emily the Criminal: Aubrey Plaza is Emily, working in food delivery, hassled, in debt, she flunks an interview for a better job because of a drunk driving conviction and an assault conviction she concealed, As her life goes into a downward spiral she is offered an opportunity to engage in low level credit card fraud. Having succeeded the temptation to get further involved proves to much. It's not all milk and honey, danger and violence are involved. An interesting film which explores the gig economy, crippling student debt, and the free labour fraud involved in internships. A great performance by Plaza as she reveals unexpected depths and resolve as she combats those who try to turn the tables on her. Written and Directed by John Patton Ford. On Netflix. 8/10.

The First Omen (2024)

The Antichrist Arrives!

[8/10 · 4 April 2024]

The First Omen: Though similar in plot to Immaculate at a superficial level, this film sticks to the supernatural in the attempts to create the Antichrist. In the prologue an aged Father Harris (Charles Dance) is tracked down by Father Brennan (Ralph Ineson), Harris relates a garbled tale about a baby created through a woman mating with the Devil. The progeny is destined to be the mother of the Antichrist. Shortly afterwards Father Harris is showered by stained glass and a piece of scaffolding takes a chunk out of his head, obviously just happenstance. Rome, 1971, Margaret (Nell Tiger Free) arrives from the US to take her vows at a school/orphanage, herself an orphan, she was raised by the Roman Catholic Church. She is met by Cardinal Lawrence (Bill Nighy) who a decade before had counselled her when she was having troubles. They travel to the Convent to the background of Trade Union and Student protests; the Cardinal reflects on how the RCC is also losing the support of young people. These disturbances continue in the background over the radio until Margaret is caught up in a riot during a pivotal scene,

The Convent seems to be a happy place, the children are treated well, they have parties, nuns bounce on trampolines, even the elder sisters smoke and crack jokes. However Margaret finds that one child Carlita (Nicole Sorace) is often kept in a room, tied to a bed even. Carlita acts up, is violent, draws strange pictures, Margaret realises that Carlita is acting like she did years ago, so she bonds with her. Similar to Immaculate there is a naughty novitiate, Luz (Maria Caballero) she browbeats Carlita into going dancing and drinking, after all one must live before leaving secular life. Things take an odd turn at the orphanage, Carlita has terrifying visions, a strange young nun, Angelica connects with both Margarey and Carlita. Father Brennan reappears and tries to convince Margaret that a conspiracy is at play to create the Antichrist. The plot now takes an interesting turn which it would be a spoiler to reveal.

The First Omen is a largely satisfying film in its own right and promises to take the franchise off at an angle to the previous films. There are scenes of graphic horror, not least in the birth scenes where elements of body horror are introduced along with Margaret's visions of the risen dead. Some good jump scares but the pacing of the film takes away from the effect of a couple of these. A tightening up of the convent scenes with additional exposition of Margaret's backstory might have improved the flow of the narrative. Nell Tiger Free's part demands a lot and she is equal to it as her character develops. Maria Caballero is wonderful in her nunsploitation role in the nightclub scenes and in her dress sense, this sequence and her later taking of vows introduces a touch of Dario Argento. Nicole Sorace gives a fine performance as the disturbed and conflicted young girl.. Bill Nighy gives further support as the enigmatic and pragmatic Cardinal. Of course The First Omen introduces a few characters who featured in the 1976 film The Omen and even pays homage to several of its gory death scenes (improving on at least one of those). Directed by Arkasha Stevenson, who co-wrote the screenplay with Tim Smith and Keith Thomas from a story by Ben Jacoby. 8/10.

The Cursed (2021)

An Interesting Addition To The Werewolf Film Canon

[7/10 · 2 April 2024]

Eight for Silver: A rollicking werewolf film set in France. The Somme, 1916, a wounded French captain has bullrts removed from his andomen but along with three German bullets there is a silver one. Flashback to rural France in 1881, local notables clash with Romani who have camped on common land. The Romani have an arguable case legally to camping rights but the landowners hire mercenaries to slaughter them. Revenge comes from beyond the grave as a werewolf preys on relative of the notables. This is a pretty savage and gory film, a male Romani is dismembered and made into a living scarecrow by the mercenaries, a Romani woman is buried alive. How the curse is started and the first bie is performed provides an interesting addition to werewolf lore, not one I've encountered before. Locals are also plagued by strange dreams. The werewolves when we finally see them are impressive creatures but bald all over, not like werewolves we are accustomed to. People are toen to pieces or turned, seemingly at a whim but there is a darker agenda at play. Some interesting plot twists and enigmatic characters, many of whom appear to descendants of the Irish diaspora to France in the late !7th Century. Two important criticisms though, the pacing is off, at a 113 minute running time it could easily have lost 15 minutes and been a better film. The clothing and weapons of the French locals would seem to be more appropriate to Ireland or England in the 1830s, Still well worth watching though and an interesting addition to the Werewolf Film Canon. Written, directed and co-produced by Sean Ellis. On Netflix. 7/10.

The Origin of Evil (2022)

The Talented Ms Ripley!

[8/10 · 1 April 2024]

The Origin of Evil; A French and Canadian Noir Black comedy which flirts with the slipstream of Horror. Nathalie (Laura Calamy) is a Ripleyesque character, an identity thief who now attempts to assume the role of Stephane the long lost daughter of a wealthy man, Serge (Jacques Weber). His family are not happy to see her, George (Doria Tillier), her "half sister" is especially suspicious. Serge's wife Louise (Dominique Blanc) is also unwelcoming at first but begins to see Nathalie as a possible companion. Though she works in a fish canning plant on the production line, Nathalie pretends that she owns the factory. It is certainly an odd household, Georges's daughter Jeanne (Celeste Brunnquell) describes it as a madhouse, Louise obsessively buys all sorts of things online, every room in the villa has unopened boxes, Jeanne continuously takes photographs. The family are uncaring towards Serge, bullying him since he had a stroke, not helping him up when he falls, trying to gain power of attorney over his business. The housekeeper Agnes is a spy for Louise and George. Serge sees Nathalie as a potential ally who can be a witness at his competency hearing. But there are many plot twists to come as Nathalie reveals hidden strengths to emerge as a very talented Ms Ripley indeed as her intentions become more refined. But even she has problems as her imprisoned lover ( Suzanne Clement) retains an interest in her. Sharp dialogue, an interesting use of split screen, sometimes up to five different viewpoints simultaneously and the darkest of humour speed this narrative along. Great acting from an ensemble cast. The ghost of Patricia Highsmith is smiling down on this production. Directed and Co-Written by Sebastien Marnier. 8/10.

Heart of the Hunter (2024)

Interesting Spy-Fi Conspiracy

[7/10 · 1 April 2024]

Heart of the Hunter: South African Political Corruption/Conspiracy Thriller in which turned government intelligence agencies make use of all of the myriad surveillance assets at their disposal. Refreshingly the main villain isn't white, in fact you have to teach the third tier of the conspiracy to find a white leader though many of the field agents are a lighter shade of pale. Some savage hand to hand fighting, car chases and generally the sort of thrills and spills you'd expect from this genre. The conspiracy is a bit more sophisticated though even if the main crook is a tad in OTT in his portrayal. There is also an interesting secret group of assassins. Certainly worth watching. Directed by Mandla Dube, Written by Deon Meyer and Willem Grobler. On Netflix. 6.5/10.

Mothers' Instinct (2024)

Suburban Noir

[8/10 · 31 March 2024]

Mothers' Instinct (2024): Another early 1960s suburban melodrama which segues into Noir and perhaps enters the slipstream of Horror. Alice (Jessica Chastain) and Céline (Anne Hathaway) are next door neighbours, best friends just as their eight year old sons are buddies. Céline's son Max dies in a tragic accident which Alice tried to prevent but was too late. Céline avoids Alice and goes into a hospital, she returns seeming still somewhat strained but reconnects with Alice and her son Theo. Alice worries about how close Céline is getting to Theo and fears that he might be at risk. Theo is allergic to peanuts and sometimes behaves oddly for an eight year old, acting both younger (carrying around a teddy bear). Yet also being inquisitive beyond his years. Alice wonders if Céline is gaslighting her or is her old paranoia and depression returning. Does this Noir tale contain a femme fatale? If so who is it? No spoilers from me you're going to have watch the film to find out. Beautifully filmed in faded pastel tones it even has scenes reminiscent of Carol and the recent Noir film Eileen. Great performances from Hathaway and Chastain with good support from Eamon Patrick O'Connell as Theo. Something bold is attempted here and while it may not quite achieve what the director aspired to, it's nevertheless a fascinating film. Directed by Benoît Delhomme, Adapted for the screen by Sarah Conradt from the novel Derrière la haine by Barbara Abel. 7.5/10.

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024)

Pellucidar Is Reborn!

[8/10 · 30 March 2024]

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire: Oh give me a home where the giant dire wolves roam ... It's in Hollow Earth actually and a pack of them are pursuing Kong, he disposes of them but he has an aching tooth so he sojourns to the surface, exciting near the Monarch Headquarters on Bermuda. He has the bad tooth extracted and an implant replacement inserted. Meanwhile Godzilla is taking on the other Titans. Rome isn't wrecked in a day while he battles a giant crab spider, some damage but could have been worse. Godzilla curls up the Colosseum to sleep. The Monarch bases pick up an anomalous signal, which leads to a reconnaissance mission to the Hollow Earth. Kong discovers more giant apes and after fighting with the adults acquires a cute toddler ape. Things take an Indiana Jones turn when archaeological ruins are discovered. It swiftly veers into Edgar Rice Burroughs territory, the Hollow Earth has a lost civilisation! There is a threat to the surface world but to reveal the nature of it would be a spoiler. Suffice to say that Kong will need the assistance of Godzilla and Mothra if he is to have any chance of countering the menace. Some great CGI as Titans battle, the fighting apes are something new, we also get undersea action and gravity used as a weapon plus carnivorous trees. The humans are mainly ho-hum apart from Kaylee Hottle as Jia who maintains her link with Kong and puts in a creditable performance. I guess the dialogue is a tad weak at times. The story is well thought out though, especially the lost civilisation. Kong is very much the star in this film with Godzilla in a supporting role and Mothra in a cameo. Directed by Adam Wingard, Written by Terry Rossio, Simon Barrett and Jeremy Slater. 7.5/10.

The Wages of Fear (2024)

A Touch Of Mad Max

[7/10 · 30 March 2024]

The Wages of Fear: An updated version set in an unstable Middle Eastern country which has gone through a coup and is now facing another uprising. An oil well in the middle of the desert is surrounded by a refugee camp. We're really in Mad Max territory here, a car is pursued by a semi with a machine gun on top, the car safely reaches the camp, the semi is pursued by warriors on horseback. The oil well is hit by a stray bullet and catches fire. Corporate types hire two brothers to transport explosives and blow the well quenching the fire. One brother is at the camp, the other has to be sprung from prison (there's a complicated back story told through flashbacks). An OK action film with many thrills and spills, back stabbing and typical multinational cynicism. The tension is maintained well enough and you do wonder who is going to survive as the brothers accompanied by mercenaries encounter rebels, bandits and a minefield, The convoy around the explosives trucks certainly starts to shrink, Good though this thriller is it will inevitably be compared to Sorcerer and the 1953 The Wages of Fear, sadly it's not up to that standard, Well worth watching though. Drive safely! Directed by Julien Leclercq, Written by Leclercq and Hamid Hlioua. On Netflix. 7/10.