No spoiler here - just another take on the Dracula myth that is neither new or all that interesting. The clues early on are easy to figure out from the names alone. It it beautifully filmed, but that is not enough to lift the disappointment. I do not prefer long drawn out, obscure scenes that do little to move the story along. And the near sexual assault scene was borderline "but she likes it and they are roleplaying" territory. If we need mixed messages on that topic, this movie nailed it.
4 Reviews
Arthouse horror
Leofwine_draca5 March 2018
Warning: Spoilers
LILITH'S AWAKENING is an arthouse horror movie made on an indie budget. Shot in black and white throughout, it tells of a bored housewife sick of small town life who becomes entranced by the ghost of a beautiful woman who visits her in her nightly dreams. The story goes from there. There's a subtle, soul-searching approach in this movie, which is more of a mood piece than anything else. There's a strong emphasis on the framing of visual beauty but barely any kind of plotting. Some of the visuals reminded me of the German expressionist movement. In the end, the lack of plotting makes it something of a hollow viewing experience.
Not just a vampire movie
driancsmith25 March 2018
It's really hard to know how to categorise Lilith. Is it one of those movies like Paris, Texas, that's all about the cinematography? Well, yes, its gorgeous to watch, shot almost entirely in black and white, and feeling more like a living painting at times. Is it a tense vampire flick? Yes and no, on the one hand it is literally a feminist retelling of the Dracula story, but on the other hand it's not really about vampires at all. Ponderous social drama? Well in the same way that Twin Peaks is, sure. Parable? Most definitely, but not so obviously that several critics haven't completely missed this central aspect of the film.
So it's safe to say that Lilith can confound any expectations you may have. But don't let this put you off, because if you do, you'll be missing something. That said. if you are looking for hack and slash vampire movie or an evening of light entertainment, then this isn't for you. If on the other hand you're a fan of the darker end of Twin Peaks then you'll probably love this. The David Lynch connections are no accident BTW, the director was directly mentored by him whilst making this film.
It's a film you need to let wash over you. The pace is slow, the tone heavy and creepy, almost melodramatic at times, and the plot is obscure and laden with metaphor. But the result is wonderful, more experience than movie, and one that rewards both immersing yourself in and revisiting. In short, a proper piece of film art.
So it's safe to say that Lilith can confound any expectations you may have. But don't let this put you off, because if you do, you'll be missing something. That said. if you are looking for hack and slash vampire movie or an evening of light entertainment, then this isn't for you. If on the other hand you're a fan of the darker end of Twin Peaks then you'll probably love this. The David Lynch connections are no accident BTW, the director was directly mentored by him whilst making this film.
It's a film you need to let wash over you. The pace is slow, the tone heavy and creepy, almost melodramatic at times, and the plot is obscure and laden with metaphor. But the result is wonderful, more experience than movie, and one that rewards both immersing yourself in and revisiting. In short, a proper piece of film art.
Good Arthouse Horror
jgfxm1 September 2019
I really like how this movie was shot. She took full advantage of the slow pace to build a compelling, sad tale. To be honest, once I was within the film and feeling it I honestly wanted something "bad" to happen to Lucy, if only to stop what was happening to her already, all day and every day, in her life. I don't think this is a feminist retelling of Dracula. I think it embraces elements of Dracula too much at times.
Sophia Woodward gives a raw, sad performance. I believed in her, and that's what made the movie for me. I'm not dropping a single spoiler, and the movie as a whole might not be your thing, but I can tell you that you will be rewarded with some authentic chills more than once.
The stark black and white is used to great effect throughout the film.
Please check this out and support small cinema.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
