I never write reviews on here but decided to for this film mainly because, for a random pick of the week for me, I enjoyed it, but I think it's either overlooked/under-appreciated in many aspects and also a little over-appreciated at the same time based on the reviews I've read thus far.
The entirety of the film isn't that great.
7/10 for the third act, though.
Potential spoilers ahead**************
If you watch this movie, watch it for the third act, and the third act alone.
Unfortunately, the third act comes to an abrupt and horrid end.
First and second act were alright.
Be aware that this is not, in any way, a horror film. It could be deemed a psychological horror film, but, if anything, it is merely just a psychological drama. At best. And not just because it deals with mental illness.
The acting is mediocre, depending on the act. The "main characters" do a splendid job themselves, especially LDP, but the over-worked/over-used Malcolm McDowell does nothing to enhance the stories with his narration and brief interjections throughout (though I do love his narration skills better than his actual character portrayals).
The cinematography is what attracted me most, especially in the third act.
It dives into the deep-end of mental illness, but unfortunately lacks substance. Thankfully the basic plots sort of allow you to understand what is happening to the victims/patients and you can find an understanding of what it is they're dealing with. You'll notice there is more narration in the first and second act, semi-describing what it is that was, is or did happen. The third act plays itself out rather well on its own, with little narration.
The first act is creepy, for what it's worth. Perhaps that's just because I hate dolls, and no, that is and shouldn't be a major spoiler.
The second act is just depressing and lacking in substance beyond the fact that it is depressing (from a child's perspective, and relating the main character's experience to true life).
The third act is where this "movie" shines. I say "movie," because I've never been a fan of movies that are basically short stories combined into one giant film, like the ABC's of Death. It isn't a movie to me as a work of art because the short stories are not connected, and if all done by different directors, do not flow together, at all, in any way. As such I don't think it's fair to review this film as one who piece and must be dissected, at which point, there's really no point getting into too much detail about act one and two.
Watch this film for the third act, and the third act alone. As soon as the story gives way and you go, "Oh wow," turn it off, because the last five minutes and conclusion of the "film"/third act are an absolute joke and basically spits on the entire build up/dramatic effect prior to it happening.
All in all not bad for what it is, but the 7/10 is purely for the third act.
It would be 9/10 for the third act if the ending wasn't such garbage.
"Movie" overall ... a busted 4/10.
The entirety of the film isn't that great.
7/10 for the third act, though.
Potential spoilers ahead**************
If you watch this movie, watch it for the third act, and the third act alone.
Unfortunately, the third act comes to an abrupt and horrid end.
First and second act were alright.
Be aware that this is not, in any way, a horror film. It could be deemed a psychological horror film, but, if anything, it is merely just a psychological drama. At best. And not just because it deals with mental illness.
The acting is mediocre, depending on the act. The "main characters" do a splendid job themselves, especially LDP, but the over-worked/over-used Malcolm McDowell does nothing to enhance the stories with his narration and brief interjections throughout (though I do love his narration skills better than his actual character portrayals).
The cinematography is what attracted me most, especially in the third act.
It dives into the deep-end of mental illness, but unfortunately lacks substance. Thankfully the basic plots sort of allow you to understand what is happening to the victims/patients and you can find an understanding of what it is they're dealing with. You'll notice there is more narration in the first and second act, semi-describing what it is that was, is or did happen. The third act plays itself out rather well on its own, with little narration.
The first act is creepy, for what it's worth. Perhaps that's just because I hate dolls, and no, that is and shouldn't be a major spoiler.
The second act is just depressing and lacking in substance beyond the fact that it is depressing (from a child's perspective, and relating the main character's experience to true life).
The third act is where this "movie" shines. I say "movie," because I've never been a fan of movies that are basically short stories combined into one giant film, like the ABC's of Death. It isn't a movie to me as a work of art because the short stories are not connected, and if all done by different directors, do not flow together, at all, in any way. As such I don't think it's fair to review this film as one who piece and must be dissected, at which point, there's really no point getting into too much detail about act one and two.
Watch this film for the third act, and the third act alone. As soon as the story gives way and you go, "Oh wow," turn it off, because the last five minutes and conclusion of the "film"/third act are an absolute joke and basically spits on the entire build up/dramatic effect prior to it happening.
All in all not bad for what it is, but the 7/10 is purely for the third act.
It would be 9/10 for the third act if the ending wasn't such garbage.
"Movie" overall ... a busted 4/10.