This movie is an unrecognized gem away from the beaten paths. Far from being a bungled production, it is a meticulously crafted work of art. The mistake is to compare it with standard Hollywood stereotypes. It stands as a genre of its own, from the dramatic storyline, through the studied pacing, to the forceful delivery. To give it a genre heading anyway, it could best be described as a combination of stage drama, film noir, and slasher. It is mostly unaccompanied with music throughout the deliberate slow pacing of the drama, introducing chosen pieces of music only at key moments to overwhelming effect. The rest of the time, background sounds amplify the effect of the film's relative silence. The actor's lines are mostly delivered in a studied wooden manner, with stunning effect. Displays of emotion are again reserved for key moments, with corresponding effect. And by the way, the film delivers perfect suspense throughout - a feat not often equaled in corresponding drama and slasher movies, noir or not. It is an a captivating and alternative way of telling a dark and brutal story, far from Hollywood's beaten and often boring paths. A word of explanation on my ratings: films are either mediocre (1 to 3 stars), average (4 to 6 stars) or good (7 to 9 stars). 10 stars are reserved for perfection. This one deserves at least an 8.
