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Nefarious (2023)
Not your usual trite demonic possession film, thankfully!
I really enjoyed this film. When I began watching, and especially when the priest made his appearance, I thought this was going to be another ridiculous film with projectile vomiting, heads spinning, etc. Thankfully, it's not; it's actually got a very interesting plot and even delves, briefly, into theology and the concept of free will.
By today's standards the film is not particularly violent, but is nevertheless quite sinister when one considers the torment experienced by the host.
To my relief it doesn't have a 'Disney ending' and I believe there's scope for a sequel which I look forward to seeing. Highly recommended.
Apan (2009)
Dark, disturbing and depressing drama!
I have rated this film 7/10, but I'm honestly not sure I would recommend it to anybody. It left me feeling uneasy and a bit sad. However, is that not the hallmark of a good film? One that evokes strong feelings?
The film leaves some unanswered questions, such as what drove the protagonist to do what he did. Though, it is unclear if he even knows.
It is apparent that he has had some sort of a breakdown and that he is lonely. However, some of his actions don't fully make sense, but then perhaps they're not supposed to, to the rational mind. I think the bleakness of Scandinavia in what must be early spring or late autumn adds to the depressing ambience.
Gabriel Millsom.
1BR (2019)
A hidden gem!
I cannot believe that I have never heard of this film before, or that it has such a poor rating on IMDB. This more than just a clever horror film, with a few plot twists. The self-perpetuating system of enslavement is possibly a clever allegory for many human systems - religion being the obvious one (and I write as a religious person myself). The norms, values and beliefs we share as a society and which we pass on to the next generation could be construed as a form of indoctrination. Isn't Orwell's 1984 simply this but imposed upon a whole country, or supranational entity in the case of Oceania? Indeed the man who conceived the notion of the four principles is simply an ideologue, dreaming of a Utopia, much like Marx and many others, whose well-intentioned dreams have brought nothing but misery and tyranny. Just like the violence inflicted upon the protagonist and apparently on all the other characters, in order to ensure compliance and conformity, the end always justifies the means.
Perhaps I have thought about this too much, and I'm writing drivel, and maybe it was designed as a criticism (or a warning) of Scientology, but I think it goes beyond that.
Gabriel Millsom.
All My Friends Hate Me (2021)
Underrated!
I had never heard of this film and had no expectations prior to watching it, especially given the score of 6.3 at the time of writing this. However, it is one of the best films I have seen all year. The protagonist's paranoia, the sinister actions of Harry, the repeated social faux pas and the apparent coldness of some of his friends, makes for uneasy viewing and the expectation that something horrible or tragic is going to happen.
The acting is solid and there are several funny scenes, which lighten the mood, but I am not sure whether this can be considered a comedy or a horror. Overall, it makes for interesting viewing. Highly recommended.
Hellbender (2021)
The best horror film I have seen in years...
Let's face it, most horror films have a similar plot (haunted house or deranged serial killer, etc) and are usually a little ridiculous. This one was fairly original and a little creepy. I'd recommend this to anyone who likes the horror genre.
A Sense of Freedom (1981)
Gritty, violent prison drama
This is the life of Jimmy Boyle, a Glaswegian gangster. The fact that the film was apparently shot around forty years doesn't in the least detract from the film, in fact it adds to it. This is a wonderful insight into what Glaswegian life must have been like back then, when men were men. My only disappointment is that the film didn't have subtitles.
Gabriel Millsom.
Undir trénu (2017)
Dark Comedy at its finest!
This was a surprisingly good film. There's not much that I can write without spoiling the plot, other than it made me laugh out loud whilst another part was callous and quite disturbing. A wee peek at Icelandic life is an added bonus.
Gabriel Millsom
The Borderlands (2013)
Cleverly produced and genuinely frightening
I love ecclesiastical horror, and this is cleverly produced and genuinely frightening, with a slightly bizarre, and unexpected, ending. Recommended.
Die Hölle (2017)
A decent, gritty drama!
I suspect the more perceptive viewer might suggest that this was not just a good action flick, but a comment on misogyny and prejudice. That aside, I thought this was a decent, gritty drama with a thrilling plot. The villain's sadistic tendencies make him a thoroughly hateful character, whilst the protagonist is flawed but admirable. Recommended.
Gabriel Millsom
Vivarium (2019)
Bizarre, creepy and nightmarish!
If I hadn't known I was watching a film, I would have guessed I was watching an episode of Black Mirror - bizarre, creepy and nightmarish. A clever horror.
The Devil Outside (2018)
An entertaining and intriguing drama!
This film left me contemplating the ending for some time after the film had finished! It started slowly, but I soon began feeling sympathy for the protagonist, who is being raised by Christian fundamentalist parents, and so the plot appeared to be trite and predictable. But all is not quite what it seems. Highly recommended.