The first half of this film was absolutely absorbing and worked hard to build up a strange and genuinely unnerving atmosphere of foreboding, whilst putting in place the narrative points for an intriguing mystery. What has happened to Arletty's artist father? Why is his disappearance being covered up? What is happening in this town?
Some of the plusses:
+ An interesting narrative framing device - the main protagonist tells the story in flashback, whilst we also hear the voice and read the notes of the missing father detailing his deterioration (a la Evil Dead).
+ Strange and possibly dangerous characters with hints of interesting back-stories. Attached is an undercurrent of sleaze (which for better or worse never quite comes to fruition).
+ Some Argento-like touches (use of extreme lighting, shadows of figures on skylight panes etc.) A totally unique set that felt opulent yet deeply eerie (the artists' studio apartment of the missing father).
+ An excellent and sinister retro synth soundtrack.
Unfortunately the film and the "mystery" move into fairly standard zombie territory, with the final 10 minutes becoming very dull and predictable. The final few climactic scenes are rather puzzingly told through past-tense narration, which feels a bit flat. Perhaps they ran out of money?
Still an enjoyable horror with a strange and pervasive atmosphere and memorable characters and moments.
Some of the plusses:
+ An interesting narrative framing device - the main protagonist tells the story in flashback, whilst we also hear the voice and read the notes of the missing father detailing his deterioration (a la Evil Dead).
+ Strange and possibly dangerous characters with hints of interesting back-stories. Attached is an undercurrent of sleaze (which for better or worse never quite comes to fruition).
+ Some Argento-like touches (use of extreme lighting, shadows of figures on skylight panes etc.) A totally unique set that felt opulent yet deeply eerie (the artists' studio apartment of the missing father).
+ An excellent and sinister retro synth soundtrack.
Unfortunately the film and the "mystery" move into fairly standard zombie territory, with the final 10 minutes becoming very dull and predictable. The final few climactic scenes are rather puzzingly told through past-tense narration, which feels a bit flat. Perhaps they ran out of money?
Still an enjoyable horror with a strange and pervasive atmosphere and memorable characters and moments.