If there's one thing I always thought true, it was that the French are pretty damn good at making horror films. I loved films like Inside, High Tension, Martyrs, to name a few. Naturally, I was looking forward to see Ils as well. As soon as those famous words "based on true events" flashed up on the screen, I figured that maybe it could be pretty good, even though those tag lines always lie. Truth is stranger than fiction. Unfortunately, I was left deeply underwhelmed at the end of the day.
Don't get me wrong. Of course there is something scary about primal fear. A fear that we can all relate to as human beings, regardless of race, gender, or anything else. I can much sooner see myself in a real life situation like the characters from Ils rather than imagine myself being in the same boat as those poor Human Centipede saps. I suppose in a way that makes it a bit scarier, knowing that 'hey, maybe this can happen to me!'. But for some reason, despite all the ravishing reviews glowing about the tension in this film, I really never got that edge of my seat feeling. Not even for a minute. For those that haven't seen it, I'll give you a recap. The film focuses on a young couple named Clementine and Lucas who live in a country home down the road from where a mother and daughter disappeared (That scene was the opening scene, which was awesome by the way). During the night, Clementine awakens to find her car has been moved and wakes up Lucas. He goes out to investigate, and someone drives off. After this, all hell breaks loose as the hooded perpetrators continue to torment their victims throughout the night. Very simple plot. I think a part of what brought this film down a few notches was some very simple plot devices. The lead actor and actress were very good and convincing as a young couple in love, but I just can't comprehend why no one thought to pick up a cell phone or carry a weapon. Yes, I know Lucas had a crowbar and all but it felt underused. And I double checked, it's not like the film was set in the 1950's or anything so why is the power being shut off and the phone lines down the end of the world? NO ONE has a cell phone?
Perhaps I'm nitpicking. I'm sure if I were in this situation I'd be panicking and maybe not think to use a cell phone (probably not, but maybe). I get that the lack of a cell phone is fear inducing, especially since we as a society generally embrace our phones and can always call for help at the touch of a button. Kinda makes it hard to make an effective horror when all the main character has to do is just pick up his or her cell phone and dial 911 and have help on the scene in a matter of minutes. But for the sake of creating a tense atmosphere and after taking a few minutes to write this paragraph and really think it over, Ils, I forgive you.
That brings me back to the tension. I have read a large number of reviews absolutely gushing over the tension in this film. Perhaps I am just really numb to these movies by now, but I can honestly say I wasn't impressed. Sure, we have your typical strangers-stalk-a-family-through-the-house-and-a-lot-of-creepy-noises-and-light-tricks-plot, but I figured from the beginning that the couple was bound to die and that bad things were bound to happen anyway. If this shit happened in MY house, I would definitely be freaked. But I didn't really feel that strong connection with the main characters enough to really worry about their plight. Meh, I suppose I am feeling a bit nihilistic this evening.
The twist at the end was unsuspected. It wasn't so wild that it was enough to make me totally re think my thoughts on the rest of the film, but it was a pleasant surprise. All I can recommend is for you to check it out for yourself, especially if you were a fan of American films such as The Strangers.
3 OUT OF 5 STARS
*** out of *****
Don't get me wrong. Of course there is something scary about primal fear. A fear that we can all relate to as human beings, regardless of race, gender, or anything else. I can much sooner see myself in a real life situation like the characters from Ils rather than imagine myself being in the same boat as those poor Human Centipede saps. I suppose in a way that makes it a bit scarier, knowing that 'hey, maybe this can happen to me!'. But for some reason, despite all the ravishing reviews glowing about the tension in this film, I really never got that edge of my seat feeling. Not even for a minute. For those that haven't seen it, I'll give you a recap. The film focuses on a young couple named Clementine and Lucas who live in a country home down the road from where a mother and daughter disappeared (That scene was the opening scene, which was awesome by the way). During the night, Clementine awakens to find her car has been moved and wakes up Lucas. He goes out to investigate, and someone drives off. After this, all hell breaks loose as the hooded perpetrators continue to torment their victims throughout the night. Very simple plot. I think a part of what brought this film down a few notches was some very simple plot devices. The lead actor and actress were very good and convincing as a young couple in love, but I just can't comprehend why no one thought to pick up a cell phone or carry a weapon. Yes, I know Lucas had a crowbar and all but it felt underused. And I double checked, it's not like the film was set in the 1950's or anything so why is the power being shut off and the phone lines down the end of the world? NO ONE has a cell phone?
Perhaps I'm nitpicking. I'm sure if I were in this situation I'd be panicking and maybe not think to use a cell phone (probably not, but maybe). I get that the lack of a cell phone is fear inducing, especially since we as a society generally embrace our phones and can always call for help at the touch of a button. Kinda makes it hard to make an effective horror when all the main character has to do is just pick up his or her cell phone and dial 911 and have help on the scene in a matter of minutes. But for the sake of creating a tense atmosphere and after taking a few minutes to write this paragraph and really think it over, Ils, I forgive you.
That brings me back to the tension. I have read a large number of reviews absolutely gushing over the tension in this film. Perhaps I am just really numb to these movies by now, but I can honestly say I wasn't impressed. Sure, we have your typical strangers-stalk-a-family-through-the-house-and-a-lot-of-creepy-noises-and-light-tricks-plot, but I figured from the beginning that the couple was bound to die and that bad things were bound to happen anyway. If this shit happened in MY house, I would definitely be freaked. But I didn't really feel that strong connection with the main characters enough to really worry about their plight. Meh, I suppose I am feeling a bit nihilistic this evening.
The twist at the end was unsuspected. It wasn't so wild that it was enough to make me totally re think my thoughts on the rest of the film, but it was a pleasant surprise. All I can recommend is for you to check it out for yourself, especially if you were a fan of American films such as The Strangers.
3 OUT OF 5 STARS
*** out of *****