This is not a horror movie in the traditional sense; the horror in this emotionally riveting film is the utterly depraved things some people can do to another human being for no reason at all. Scriptwriter and Director Katrin Gebbe gives us a protagonist, known only as Tore, who is achingly vulnerable: He's angelic-looking, good-natured, funny and ever the optimist. Life has apparently not been kind to him, however. His "family" is a community of other displaced youths/grunge enthusiasts who call themselves the Jesus Freaks. And when he becomes disenchanted with the moral failing of one of the members, he takes up residence with a local man named Benno and his family and his life becomes a living hell. Gebbe never gives us Tore's backstory, but even in the midst of this hell, he never tries to return home or even considers calling a family member for help. Unshaken in his conviction that Benno's abusive treatment is a test of his faith, Tore goes from fearful, confused and longing for acceptance to decidedly enduring whatever Benno might throw at him.
This movie is not a gore-fest by any means, but the torment inflicted on Tore is heartbreaking and deeply, deeply disturbing. As horrific and sickening as some scenes were, this movie was also strangely triumphant because Benno's daughter Sammy - the target for some of his abuse and molestation - AND his young son were inspired by Tore's courage. And although battered and bloodied in the end, Tore's spirit was never broken.
Not what I would have expected to find on a site like Shudder, but this film has continued to haunt me long after the credits rolled.
This movie is not a gore-fest by any means, but the torment inflicted on Tore is heartbreaking and deeply, deeply disturbing. As horrific and sickening as some scenes were, this movie was also strangely triumphant because Benno's daughter Sammy - the target for some of his abuse and molestation - AND his young son were inspired by Tore's courage. And although battered and bloodied in the end, Tore's spirit was never broken.
Not what I would have expected to find on a site like Shudder, but this film has continued to haunt me long after the credits rolled.