Plot: What’s it about?
People like to be scared. It’s as simple as that. There’s a reason that the horror genre has endured decade after decade in film – it works. And, as I alluded to people have an inherent tendency to be frightened. Maybe it’s part of our DNA (but probably not). At any rate, films have different ways of evoking this primal response, with a “less is more approach” like Jaws or the “something is always out there, following you” like It Follows. Or anything in between. But Director Osgood Perkins (son of Anthony Perkins, acclaimed actor and star of arguably the best horror film ever –Psycho) has crafted something eerie here that’ll certainly polarize audiences. And it did. But if you’re looking for a psychological thriller that’ll stay with you long after the credits roll – look no further.
Liz (Tatiana Maslany) and Malcolm (Rossif Sutherland) embark on a romantic getaway after leaving their urban abode (Vancouver, perhaps?). Nevertheless, they plan for a romantic getaway in the woods to celebrate their one-year anniversary at Malcom’s family cabin. Liz is from the city, he’s not. He’s a physician accustomed to living out in the woods. That’s the setup, but what follows is a bit more complex…the film makes no secret that the duo have some trust-related issues and when Malcom’s cousin, Darren (Birkett Turton) who lives next door, comes-a-knockin’ it adds another odd element to an already odd plot.
I’m resisting the urge to expand on the plot, but this is one of those films that the less you know going in, the better it’ll turn out for you. Anyone who’s seen some of Osgood Perkins’ films knows what they’re (likely) in for and with recent offerings like The Monkey and Longlegs, it sets the stage for an odd and entertaining 98 minutes. There’s imagery, lots of it. A few plot twists that I didn’t see coming, but it’s the waiting…for something you know will happen that really got me. Films that are a bit off (like myself) really play with my mind. Some like that and others need a masked killer wielding a kitchen knife gutting people. Hey, to each their own. If you’re a fan of films like this, or the director’s other works, this is for you but I fully realize that this one wasn’t for everyone.
Video: How’s it look?
Unlike his previous work with Gretel & Hansel, this presentation is a bit more standard with a 1.85:1 HEVC 4K offering. However, this isn’t the picture perfect image that we’ve become accustomed to and I don’t know why – I enjoyed it. The majority of the film takes place indoors in dimly lit situations. There seems to be a bit of grain in some of the shots as well. I wasnt’ sure what to make of that. It’s not a fault of the transfer, rather how the film was shot. This kind of harkens back to the 70’s and 80’s and has a very European feel/vibe to it (for obvious reasons). By no means is this bad, but just not what we’re used to.
Audio: How’s it sound?
The included DTS HD Master Audio mix is, again, effective but something that somewhat plays with your head. Vocals are strong, centered and lacking any distortion but the surrounds are what messed with my mind. Ok, maybe not in a literal sense, but you get the idea. There’s a direct correlation to how and when they’re used and the effect and impact it had on my viewing experience. That’s a bit difficult to explain, but whatever they did – it worked. The LFE aren’t too involved, and the majority of the film makes great use of the front stage. Suffice it to say, this is an interesting one, to be sure.
Supplements: What are the extras?
- Audio Commentary – Writer/Director Osgood Perkins gives us a pretty insightful and informative commentary track. It’s not what I was expecting. And I don’t really know what I was expecting, having just finished the film. There are a lot of details about the shoot, the cast and the theme of the film and, suffice it to say, anyone that found this one intriguing will enjoy this track.
- Theatrical Trailer
- Teaser Trailer
The Bottom Line
The sort of person who’s attracted to this film will likely be someone who has a different taste in films. It’s not your run-of-the-mill horro film, that’s for sure. If you enjoy the pacing, the “slow burn” (for lack of a better term) than this one’s for you. Disturbing images and all.
