“The Movie” is a deceptive horror movie. Warning that reality is always lurking in front of you but you may be deceived by what you think is satire. Of course, the entire film could be satirical but near its conclusion it loses its lighthearted veneer. Quite frankly once the ending manifests itself you may be subject to an extremely uncomfortable feeling the writer and director (Michael Mandell) has been playing with you.
Of course, I really can’t reveal the plot other than saying a strange courier named Walter (Jarod Pistilli) has a special delivery for 44 year old Janet Gillespie (Bonnie Root) and convinces her to let him enter her home to deposit the large crate in Janet’s living room. Janet is a former childhood movie star with strong creds having been nominated years ago for an Academy Award.
Walter wants to shoot a movie with Janet and himself starring. So he ties her up to a dolly and the movie begins its twisted road. Walter is a bumbler and the script he has written for the movie is plainly idiotic. Walter slowly degrades Janet and steals everything worth value playing the role of Gustav the plumber. My mind strayed a bit in the early part of the film thinking Walter was a twit however at some point I began to think he was psychotic and suffering from multiple personalities. My view of this film being a satirical and lighthearted look at home invasions gradually evolved into the twisted personality of Walter.
Walter insists that acting is only compelling if its real and he means what he says and you no doubt will be convinced by the big toe this is no lighthearted horror flick. You the viewer are gradually dawn into the disturbed mind of Walter.
I may have said too much!
Root is entirely solid both while “acting” and acting herself. Super solid. Pistilli is harder to read playing the fool but quickly evolving into a very menacing character.
Quite frankly a very inventive and creative movie. Sure there can be comparisons to “Sunset Boulevard”, “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane” and “Strawberry Plastic” but this film should not be tarnished by comparisons.
It is rare a “horror movie” horrifies me but this one does particularly as it almost initially has a comedic element.
The film is compelling as it is real.
The film will be released on digital platforms on September 6th.
You can see the trailer here https://vimeo.com/733802140/00a3fb8f45
RKS Film Rating 92/100 and on shiver meter 96.
A Bird's Eye View of Fashion, Food, Travel, Culture, Beverage and Curiosity 