20 August 2013 | Tehmeh

8 | This is a real gem.

I'll say the worst things first. There will be a lot of "WTF did I just see" in the end. There will be loose ties and lingering questions. There will be some artsy stuff and no clear explanations to many things. If you don't mind that, or if you actually embrace that kind of stuff, I recommend "Livide" very highly.



Acting is surprisingly good. Right from the start, you'll notice that even characters that appear for one minute, really do a convincing job. I really loved Chloé Coulloud. Not only was she pretty good in her role (though I must admit that it was the supporting actors, not the three main characters that stole the show), she's one of the most naturally beautiful women I've seen in years. You'll notice it.



This is just as much horror as it is some crazy fantasy. It often feels surreal, and there's even quite a lot of gore. I was fascinated with the main mystery as well. Funny, because I watched "Cassadaga" before this, and it had the same three elements as "Livide": Supernatural, gore and mystery. While I wasn't impressed with Cassadaga, I loved this one. Cinematography is often beautiful and creepy, as should be when there's an old mysterious house as the main location. I loved the creepy stuff, the whole artistic design and interior of the house. Stuffed animals, dolls, paintings, statues, colors, lights, the works. And no, they're not there just for cheap jump-scares. While watching this, I really felt I was traveling in that same surreal house with the main cast, room by room. There's lots of imaginative, fairy-tale like material, and while I wouldn't necessarily throw Guillermo Del Toro - comparisons around, I can understand why many people do.



That's it. I'm not a fan of french films, but this one won me over. It goes a little nuts at the end, doesn't answer all main questions and that may frustrate some people - me too, not going to lie - but this was still a very welcome trip. Not once was I bored nor checked my watch. This movie captivated me and my imagination to the very end. A little frustrating movie, but so very well done. I can't really pinpoint the main element that made me like this so much. Perhaps the overall quality and that certain "magic" that some movies just have.