Alice Lowe first made her mark as co-writer and star of the superb Sightseers. Now she’s back in a big way, and that isn’t just a reference to her burgeoning belly. Lowe wrote Prevenge while pregnant and shot it in two weeks just before giving birth; the film also marks her directorial debut. The result is a resoundingly personal affair, rooted in sardonic humor and chilling horror, fueled by antenatal fears and personal trauma.
Ruth (Lowe) is pregnant. Ruth is also a serial killer. These two things are entwined as she is driven to murder by a voice emanating from her womb. Her unborn child castigates the world for the lack of a father figure, coaching and coaxing Ruth to eliminate chosen victims. Struggling with her own morals, fears, and loneliness, Ruth is increasingly torn between doing the right thing and succumbing to the whims of her unborn child.
The best horror films draw on very real fears, and one of the greatest is procreation (Rosemary’s Baby anyone?) — not just the process of carrying a baby and childbirth itself, but the aftermath of caring for and raising the child, and also that question of what type of person they will grow up to be. A line in Prevenge refers to pregnancy as “like a hostile takeover,” and in a sense, with hormones running wild, the mind and body does succumb to this presence growing within. This material is ripe for exploration in a horror film.
At its core, Prevenge is a psychodrama, one that explores a deeper trauma that becomes apparent as the film progresses, a component that enhances all those fears that come with being pregnant. Prevenge could be subtitled “Who to Kill When You’re Expecting.” There’s a mystery element that, as the film progresses reveals a connection between these selected victims. Murderous encounters offer wonderfully constructed exchanges that peel back the conflict within Ruth, as well as adding to the story.
Prevenge is often gruesome, showcasing wonderfully orchestrated moments of bloodletting, but there is plenty of levity that come from little character ticks and observations, with the odd pun thrown in for good measure. But this is not so much a black comedy or slasher film, instead focusing on its psychological thread, crafting a sympathetic character and showing how trauma and loss can fracture a psyche. The aftermath, this disturbing voice within, cajoling her, at times mocking her, is reminiscent of an abusive relationship, even self torture. It’s an unreal concept, but its roots in the unnerving realities of being on the cusp of motherhood ground it in a very chilling reality.
Lowe herself is outstanding. Ruth is a chameleonic character, affable and sympathetic, disarming her victims before she goes in for the kill, literally. The interplay with her targets is one of the more engaging components of the film. She’s wry, with a persistence reminiscent of Marge Gunderson in Fargo, another woman driven to her goals despite her condition. The anonymity and lack of threat afforded her as a pregnant woman only adds to her chilling presence, as does her tendency to segue from cold killer to nurturer, even for her victims as they lay before her. The supporting cast too are pitch perfect, across the board delivering natural performances that fit superbly against Ruth’s unfolding narrative. A standout is Jo Hartley’s midwife, whose cheery voice of concern who offers the perfect counterpoint to Lowe’s deadpan delivery.
As a directorial debut, Prevenge is certainly accomplished. A humdrum setting (Cardiff) is liberally splashed with violence and dark humor. Visuals that veer into a disorienting haze or offer pops of color hearken back to Don’t Look Now, while British electronic band Toydrum adds a stonking synth score that Argento/Goblin would be proud of. Its balance of gruesome horror and more genuine fears is its most accomplished facet. Tender, heartfelt moments offer a break from the dark while connecting you to her plight as a woman dealing with loss and how it manifests in a fractured, rage driven psyche. Prevenge is a slasher imbued with a melancholic brooding that ensures it cuts deep.
Alice Lowe has given birth to a chilling piece of horror, one destined for cult status. Prevenge could have embraced a predictable slasher approach but instead is far more layered. An outstanding directorial debut that delivers wry, twisted humor and is as poignant as it is chilling.
Prevenge will be released by Shudder in select theaters on March 24th.
