Welcome to the 10th annual Fantastic Fest film festival here in Austin, Texas. This is my daily recap which over the next week will primarily recap the film experiences I have has as well as touch on the mental and physical status of the Festival-going folk, myself included. My entertainment is guaranteed but please, pray for my well being. Let chaos reign!
THE BABADOOKThere was a lot of positive buzz around The Babadook coming out of TIFF, and in many ways it lives up to the high praise. Essie Davis is Amelia, whose husband is killed in a car accident while on the way to hospital for the birth of their son. Six years on, she is still struggling to raise their son Samuel alone. Becoming more uncontrollable, one day Samuel finds a pop up storybook that tells of a boogeyman-type figure, the titular Babadook. Samuel soon becomes convinced this monster is real and intent on killing them both, his behavior driving Amelia to the brink, at which point she starts to see the creature herself.
What is really impressive is that though the pop up book actually lays out the entire plot of the film, so the cards are all laid out on the table, and still the film and performances are able to draw you in. Director Jennifer Kent delivers an accomplished debut reminiscent of The Amityville Horror and Repulsion. It’s starkly shot, emotionally resonant, atmospheric, and features some outstanding performances. Davis is gripping in the lead; the escalation of her unhinged mind is superbly realized.
This is where The Babadook works, dealing with themes of loss and grief. I am certain that anyone who has had a loved one taken from them and feels intensely burdened by it will have a visceral reaction to this film. However, the horror aspect is lacking genuine chills. What starts as a well paced buildup does become drawn out at a point, and a teased reveal becomes frustration. The Babadook design and realization is also somewhat wanting. As a horror film, its scares are pretty lacking, but as a film that places the characters and emotional content first there is much to appreciate and respect. Pushing a mother to her limits and testing the extent of her love for a child is heavy material, and The Babadook immerses you in Amelia’s emotional turmoil expertly. Worth checking out.
IN ORDER OF DISAPPEARANCELocal community leader Nils (Stellan Skarsgaard) has just won an award for “Citizen of the Year” when he discovers his son has died of a drug overdose. The news shocks Nils and his wife and immediately drives a wedge between them, her leaving soon after. Distraught, Nils finds a reason to go on upon learning that his son’s death was actually due to his accidental involvement with some local drug dealers. He takes it upon himself to find those responsible, and each kill gets him closer to the man at the top that is ultimately responsible for his loss.
Let’s get it out of the way. Snow (it’s set in Norway), bumbling police officers, a rapidly escalating situation, and the involvement of everyday normal people set this film up as something of a European cousin to Fargo. While there is a deeper weight and sadness here, it’s largely due to the weary performance of Skarsgaard. This is no Neeson-esque jaunt; it is about a father, deeply saddened and angry at the loss of his son, crudely exacting his revenge. Unwittingly his actions set in motion a gang war between the local Norwegian drug lord, The Count, and a Serbian group vying for control. The body-count mounts up, the situation gets more complex and dangerous, and it is all balanced by a well handled vein of black humor throughout. The aforementioned Count is the source of many of the lighter moments, with his psychopathic behavior and choice in interior furnishings.
In Order of Disappearance is a simple tale of a father’s revenge. It’s one of those quieter, understated films that always pop up at Fantastic Fest and proves to be a delight to watch. Black humor is layered in with deftness. With excellent performances and a tangible emotional heft to the plot, it is both bleak and beautiful and highly recommended.
The Cinapse crew were also fortunate enough to attend the Fantastic Debates on Day 3, look for a separate writeup on that soon.
Tomorrow it’s Lost Soul, Horns, Tokyo Tribe, and Let Us Prey!