Plot: The film is a remake of Korean thriller Addicted from 2002. Jess's (Sarah Michelle Gellar) life turns surreal after an automobile accident
leaves both her husband Ryan and her brother-in-law Roman (Lee Pace) in a coma.
Things take an even darker turn when Roman wakes believing that he is
Ryan. As Jess tries to deal with these increasingly disturbing events,
she also struggles with the possibility that either the spirit of her
husband has returned to her or that something very sinister is at work.
The heroes: Jess who is missing her husband and as most troubled heroines in thriller/horrors doesn't know if she should give in - is her husband back? Or is Roman playing a game?
The antagonists: The villain of this film may or not be Roman - you will get your answers in the film but I wouldn't dare to spoil it. Sufficient to say he is played by Lee Pace and Roman, as slightly disturbed as he may be, was much more sympathetic in my eyes than stuck up Jess. Yes, I'm horribly disturbed myself.
What makes it so great?
The film was set to be a theatrical release, but due to studio's bankruptcy (Nothing But the Truth kind of scenario which still hurts me as it hurt Vera Farmiga's Oscar chances) it was straight-to-DVD release. Mind that, the film is beautifully shot and the score is gorgeous. The story is predictable and could have been stronger but the atmosphere is still quite effective. Though I may be one of the 10 people on Earth who don't like Buffy, Gellar did a fine job here, though I wish they cast someone more subtle and delicate for the role.Best scene: The very ending of both alternate and original cut - the very last scenes are great in both, though the first one is better.
Oh-oh something's not right line: He knows things about me. Things he couldn't possibly know. You really believe that a soul could leave its body?
Morbid Trivia: As Lee Pace's fan the morbid trivia for me is that this, just like the Resident, ended up being straight-to-DVD flick.Scare factor:
- 2/5 evil pumpkins - the movie doesn't feature many scares but it is disturbing and frightening in a psychological way - what if the man you love is in someone else? What if it's really him? And what if you give in only to find out it wasn't the case? How can you be sure?Gore factor:
- 1/5 bloody Leatherfaces - there is some bloody here and there, mostly after the accident but overall this is more of a psychological thriller. Is there a twist? Yes.
Hint: If you are Lee Pace's fangirl - see it. He is shirtless in multiple scenes - I just have to mention that because it was glorious. Also check out the alternate ending version if you can - it's much better.
Unsuitable for: Married women with hot brothers in law.
Repercussions: Fear (or arousal) of your brother in law.
RELATED POSTS:
This movie doesn't look like my cup of tea, but I do like the look of those shirtless scenes. Between that and the great soundtrack, I might be willing to give it a go.
ReplyDeleteIt's more of a psychological drama/romance with few thriller elements :) It's worth checking out :)
DeleteOh man, even though I don't care for horror, but you manage to convince me I should rent it Sati. well, actually Lee's shirtless scenes convinced me, ahah.
ReplyDeleteIt's more of a thriller though the main idea is something that can be found in horror movies especially supernatural ones :) Lee's shirtless scenes would convince me to see anything too ^^
DeleteNot sure if this would be my type of film, but I might check it out some time.
ReplyDeleteThe story isn't anything Earth shattering but the atmosphere was really awesome, I think it's worth seeing.
DeleteLee Pace has amazing arms. For that reason alone I feel like I need to watch this.
ReplyDeleteAs a mahoosive Buffy fan, I've never actually been a huge fan of SMG. Weird.
He really does :P
DeleteShe has kinda mean face and is giving bitchy vibes, I never liked her. I think she is an all right actress but that's it.