"The Binding" is a movie that possesses multiple symbolic layers of meaning, showcasing Gus Krieger's exceptional mastery of his expressive tools. Initially we are induced to take it as a genre film, and I think that this label is the root cause of its low IMDb rating. When the viewers foreshadow an horror story centered around the devil, they are led to believe that the exorcism scene must inevitably serve as the emotional apex of the narrative. If that were the case, the film would be deemed disappointing, but such an assessment is far from accurate: the exorcism scene underscore the extreme ineptitude, fear, and confusion of the priest Uriel, who dispenses futile advices; facing a genuinely extraordinary event, he feels lost, especially since he himself no longer places faith in the church's ancient methods. If the resolution of all conflicts were to hinge on that single scene, the low rating would be correct. But there is far more depth.
"The Binding" is a realistic and complex cinematic work that derives its strength from the interplay between the metaphysical dimension and the psychological one. The anguish and fear conveyed by the protagonist, the highly skilled and intense Amy Gumenick, seep into the viewer's consciousness from the very first scene and persist throughout. When viewed through the correct lens, Gus Krieger's film emerges as a horror tale, not due the reiteration of the genre clichés but due to its profound thematic content. It doesn't rely on special effects to evoke a profound sense of disquiet, and provoke numerous philosophical questions about the nature of religious faith.
It's sad, but when a movie transcends the limitations of the genre stereotypes in order to deepen the human frailties, there is always a risk of failing to engage the proper audience and being misunderstood.
