#FastFive November 2021 Film Reviews

On By kyraalexandriaIn Cinema, Reviews

Happy Fall! Here’s a quick look at the films I watched throughout #SpookySzn 🎃

Megan Is Missing (Trio Pictures, 2011) Horror

*content warning: explicit depiction of sexual assault against a child, violence, homicide via vivisepulture

This film is infamous for its late-stage switch from silly to utterly vile—the last 22 minutes are grotesque, jarring and nightmare-inducing. This is not a film I could recommend in good faith to anyone besides a dedicated horror film devotee because the depth of sadism depicted in this film is extreme. Violence aside, it’s an almost laughable film with over-the-top acting and comedic dramatizations. The writer and director, Michael Goi, says the abrupt shift in the film’s tone is intentional, meant to portray severity and seriousness. That it does.

Lake Mungo #NothingToSeeHere (Arclight Films, 2008) Horror (Paranormal)

*content warning: death/grief

In 2021, this film is simply unimpressive. Shot documentary style, the plot revolves around a possible haunting in a family home. But the grainy footage we see is lackluster at best after seeing any Paranormal Activity film, and the rather interesting plot twists fail to salvage the film’s glacial pace and unoriginal premise.

The Vigil #ColorMeObsessed (Blumhouse, 2019) Psychological Horror (Paranormal)

*content warning: death/grief, anti-Semitism 

The Vigil is a shining example of 21st century psychological horror. Premised around a shomer tasked with watching over a corpse through the night to protect it from spiritual disturbance, the film is a delicate exploration of grief and spirituality made frightening by some strategic lighting and the protagonist’s, Yakov’s, own mind. While I really enjoyed the way trauma is used as a plot device, perhaps my favorite aspect of the film was simply the way it’s couched in Jewish culture. It’s rare I get to watch a haunting film that’s not rooted in Christianity, and this one managed to not only explore the intricacies of the protagonist’s relationship to his faith but also its greater impact on his life. 

  • Dave Davis in The Vigil (2019)
  • Rachel Quinn, Amber Perkins in Megan Is Missing (2011)

A Tale of Two Sisters (B.O.M. Film Productions, 2004) Psychological Horror

*content warning: death/grief, child abuse

The highest grossing Korean horror film of all time, A Tale of Two Sisters was shocking and overwhelming. I’ll have to watch a second time to feel confidently caught up but this film is certainly creepy on the first watch—the evil stepmother, oppressive house, and inconsistent viewpoints make for something truly riveting. Familiarity with the traditional Korean fairy tale is not a prerequisite for understanding, but the film is intricate—come prepared to pay attention. There are 2 plot twists: one is given to the audience and one requires your own awareness to reveal. It’s a unique horror mashup to witness: home haunting meets Grudge-like ghosts and very real abuse.

You Were Never Really Here (Film4, 2017) Psychological Thriller

*content warning: death/grief, child sexual abuse, violence, human trafficking, attempted suicide/suicidal ideation

Wow. This film was miles away from what I was anticipating, but truly, wow. You Were Never Really Here is violent but not gratuitously so: the audio is muted during most of Joaquin’s kills, and we see more blood than we do actual points of contact. It’s also incredibly dark: the driving plot is child sex trafficking, and the major themes are abuse and suicidal ideation. Joaquin is, of course, in his element here, as a deeply troubled gentle giant; he portrays detachment as deftly and believably as he does caretaking. Far from the average action film or hitman plot line, this film is versatile and cerebral—a treat for anyone invested in psychological elements.

And that wraps another #FastFive Have you watched any of these films? Have a recommendation to share? Drop a comment & share your thoughts! 💬

Leave a comment