>>214332432
>>214332543
Reporting back. I've now seen all of Oz Perkins' dictatorial offerings. I have mixed feelings about this one. It had beautiful photography and framing but sound design left wanting, as I've come to expect from him. Lillis' and Krige's screen presence carried it in large part, and the dreadful, haunting atmosphere did the rest. Even though I felt like I knew what would happen (and I was right), there was enough mystery to keep it engaging.
Other reviewers have noted that the dialogue and narration feel stilted, awkward, and forced; and they are correct; but this is obviously intentional since it is intended to be a fairy story.
The opening sequence immediately put me off as it made me think this would be an explicitly feminist film, but it's a bit more nuanced than that. It is more about the empowerment and liberation of youth rather than of women. However, there is a black in it, which I found entirely inappropriate and uncalled for. Fortunately he only gets a few minutes of screen time.
Better than I Am the Pretty Thing that Lives in The House, but not as good as The Blackcoat's Daughter or Longlegs. 6.5/10
