Look, I won't mince words. I had a hard time engaging with this one. It just feels like an exercise in "sensationalism over substance": emptily pushing the envelope, and seeking reactions of "whoa, that's screwed up," over meaningful visceral or emotional response, let alone earnest storytelling. And that ethos applies to most aspects herein, especially some specific shots or instances of editing. It's not bad. At its best I think filmmaker Fabrice Du Welz demonstrates smart direction, not to mention a splendid vision in how some moments are put together. He and co-writer Vincent Tavier poured some great ideas into their screenplay; the cast give fierce, committed performances, Lola Dueñas above all. I admire Manuel Dacosse's cinematography, and the fuzzy haze layered over the presentation is a flavorful touch. That this mostly maintains a decidedly restrained tone is perfectly fitting, in my opinion, for the concept on hand; this, and the strength of the last ten minutes or so before the end credits begin (interspersed with clips of a denouement), are the primary highlights of the whole length. Broadly speaking this is well made.
But. I mean. The characters aren't believable for one moment, Gloria least of all; in turn, the rest of the writing likewise often struggles to attain verisimilitude. Maybe that says as much about me as it does about the movie. Yet suspension of disbelief requires at least a tiny fragment of plausibility, some parcel of reality getting its foot in the door, whether that means historical context, basic scientific ideas, sociopolitical notions, rudimentary illustration of cause/effect and consequence, or in this case, psychology and emotions. 'Alleluia' instead comes off as a twisted, gnarly fairy tale - except, with the aforementioned drive for a meager "wow factor," less compelling than the most classic and time-honored works of Perrault or Grimm, and less credible than 'The lord of the rings.' I watched. I didn't actively dislike it. But it means nothing to me.
To each their own, I guess. Other folks clearly have found this to be a great time, and I'm glad for them. Simply as a matter of personal preference and the subjectivity of art, not all pictures will meet with equal success for all viewers. I'll watch anything, anything at all; I've loved some films that others have hated, and I've hated some films that others have loved. Overall indifference? Well, that happens every now and again, too. By all means, check out 'Alleluia' if you want, bearing in mind content warnings for violence and sexual content. Maybe you'll be among those who appreciate it more than I do. Just be aware that there's also the possibility you'll be as nonplussed as I am.
But. I mean. The characters aren't believable for one moment, Gloria least of all; in turn, the rest of the writing likewise often struggles to attain verisimilitude. Maybe that says as much about me as it does about the movie. Yet suspension of disbelief requires at least a tiny fragment of plausibility, some parcel of reality getting its foot in the door, whether that means historical context, basic scientific ideas, sociopolitical notions, rudimentary illustration of cause/effect and consequence, or in this case, psychology and emotions. 'Alleluia' instead comes off as a twisted, gnarly fairy tale - except, with the aforementioned drive for a meager "wow factor," less compelling than the most classic and time-honored works of Perrault or Grimm, and less credible than 'The lord of the rings.' I watched. I didn't actively dislike it. But it means nothing to me.
To each their own, I guess. Other folks clearly have found this to be a great time, and I'm glad for them. Simply as a matter of personal preference and the subjectivity of art, not all pictures will meet with equal success for all viewers. I'll watch anything, anything at all; I've loved some films that others have hated, and I've hated some films that others have loved. Overall indifference? Well, that happens every now and again, too. By all means, check out 'Alleluia' if you want, bearing in mind content warnings for violence and sexual content. Maybe you'll be among those who appreciate it more than I do. Just be aware that there's also the possibility you'll be as nonplussed as I am.