Directed by: Moritz Mohr Starring: Bill Skarsgård, Jessica Rothe, Michelle Dockery Genre: Dystopian, Action Comedy Boy Kills World (2024) is an action-packed film directed by Moritz Mohr, featuring Bill Skarsgård as the protagonist, known only as "Boy." The movie combines elements of dystopian thrillers with dark humor, delivering a visually striking and intense experience. Plot Overview Set in a dystopian future, the story follows Boy, a deaf-mute whose family is brutally murdered by the corrupt Van Der Koy dynasty. Rescued and trained by a mysterious shaman, played by Yayan Ruhian, Boy transforms into a formidable fighter. He embarks on a relentless quest for vengeance against the Van Der Koy family, leading to a series of violent and chaotic confrontations. Direction and Cinematography Moritz Mohr's direction is characterized by high-energy sequences and a stylized visual approach. The film features inventive action scenes that are both chaotic and meticulously...
Directed by: Pascal Plante
Starring: Juliette Gariépy, Laurie Babin, Maxwell McCabe-Lokos
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Arthouse Horror
Pascal Plante’s Red Rooms (Les Chambres Rouges) is a chilling psychological thriller that delves into the dark corners of human obsession and voyeurism. The film explores the trial of a serial killer while following the disturbing fixation of Kelly-Anne (Juliette Gariépy), a detached and enigmatic protagonist whose preoccupation with the case raises unsettling questions about society’s fascination with true crime and the macabre.
Plot and Theme
Set against the backdrop of a high-profile murder trial, Red Rooms tells the story of Kelly-Anne, a French-Canadian model and poker player who becomes consumed by the trial of Ludovic Chevalier, a man accused of heinous murders streamed on the dark web. The film juxtaposes the courtroom’s sterile environment with Kelly-Anne’s obsessive and voyeuristic tendencies. Her ambiguous motives blur the lines between morbid curiosity and complicity.
Thematically, the film examines societal desensitization to violence, the ethics of true crime consumption, and the psychological impact of voyeurism. Plante uses Kelly-Anne as a lens to critique humanity’s often unhealthy obsession with the dark side of human nature, making the audience complicit in her cold detachment and voyeuristic gaze.
Strengths
Juliette Gariépy’s Performance:
Gariépy’s portrayal of Kelly-Anne is hauntingly effective. Her icy, restrained performance conveys volumes through subtle expressions and body language, turning her into a mirror for the audience’s discomfort and intrigue.Atmospheric Direction:
Plante creates a detached, clinical atmosphere, using muted grey tones and minimalist settings to emphasize the emotional void at the film’s core. The stark contrast between Kelly-Anne’s quiet intensity and the horrific crimes she obsesses over amplifies the psychological tension.Subtle Horror and Restraint:
By avoiding graphic depictions of violence, the film relies on sound design and suggestions to unsettle viewers. This approach heightens the horror, forcing the audience to confront the limits of their imagination.Exploration of Obsession:
The dynamic between Kelly-Anne and fellow court groupie Clémentine (Laurie Babin) adds layers to the narrative. Their unlikely bond reflects differing degrees of obsession and denial, creating a fascinating psychological study.
Weaknesses
Deliberate Pacing:
The film’s slow, methodical pace may frustrate viewers accustomed to conventional thrillers. While this serves its arthouse aesthetic, some moments feel overly drawn out.Emotional Distance:
Plante’s detached style may alienate audiences seeking emotional engagement. Kelly-Anne’s inscrutability, while thematically fitting, makes it harder to connect with her as a character.Lack of Narrative Resolution:
The film leaves many questions unanswered, particularly about Kelly-Anne’s true motivations and the broader societal implications of her actions. This ambiguity may divide audiences.
Legacy and Impact
Red Rooms stands out for its bold exploration of morbid fascination and voyeurism in the digital age. Its arthouse approach and unflinching psychological depth have drawn comparisons to works by David Cronenberg, blending horror with social commentary. The film challenges viewers to examine their complicity in a culture that sensationalizes violence, making it a thought-provoking, if unsettling, experience.
Conclusion
Red Rooms is a deeply unsettling but brilliantly crafted thriller that offers a haunting critique of societal voyeurism and obsession. Juliette Gariépy’s performance and Pascal Plante’s direction elevate it beyond typical genre fare, creating an arthouse horror film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll. While its slow pace and emotional detachment may not appeal to everyone, it is a bold and provocative entry into modern psychological cinema.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Recommended for: Fans of arthouse thrillers, psychological horror, and films with complex social commentary.
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