Red Rooms: Zeugin des Bösen

I saw 23 films at CIFF & this was my top pick. So thoroughly detailed, from the beginning (seemingly) 1-shot take, to how the story and characters are developed, to the 2 lead actresses (Juliette Gariépy, Laurie Babin) and the entire cast being so believable in their roles. I loved that instead of showing horrific gruesome scenes, you already know and hear the scenes just by seeing the 2 actresses act with their eyes and faces. The depiction of the dark web & related online conversations seems incredibly real. I'm not on the dark web but have been actively engaged since the mid-90s with how people speak online especially using anonymous usernames. The ending did cause intense excited conversations between my friends & I, as to exactly the personality and motives of the main character. As a side note, my friends & I met the director Pascal Plante at CIFF & he was so friendly & humble. I've noticed that the films we enjoyed the most were by the directors who were incredibly humble about their work. Anyhow, this film kept us engaged with every single second.

I don't know what exactly I was expecting from this movie, but it wasn't what I got (in a good way). This movie really caught me off guard. It starts off with a fascinating 20 minute opening scene (possibly done in one take - I can't be sure on this, but it seemed like it in hindsight) that sets up the whole film and had me hooked right the go. From there, the next 2 hours went by about as quickly as they ever do while watching a film for me.

I've never seen a film hold its cards so close to its chest before. Often when films do this it is more frustrating than anything else. Here, it was captivating. I really had no idea what direction the film was ultimately going to go in.

There is some haunting imagery in this film but it doesn't come in the way you'd expect. Considering the extremely dark subject matter the film actually shows very little, if anything, in the way of torture or graphic horror. Instead the film gets under your skin with the lead character doing some things that need to be seen to be appreciated.

I can't recommend a film like this highly enough. It will have you gripped for 2 hours and then stick with you long after that. 9.5/10.

"Red Rooms," the 2023 Canadian thriller, grips you from the first frame and doesn't let go until the final credits roll. The plot weaves a web of suspense and obsession around the high-profile trial of Ludovic Chevalier, a notorious serial killer. What sets this film apart is its brilliant direction, which skillfully navigates the fine line between horror and psychological thriller. The tension builds relentlessly, leaving you on the edge of your seat, eager to uncover the dark secrets that lie beneath the surface. The cinematography is hauntingly beautiful, capturing the eerie atmosphere of the story while maintaining a visceral connection to the characters' emotions.

At the heart of "Red Rooms" lies a captivating exploration into the psyche of Kelly-Anne, a character whose obsession with the case blurs the boundaries between reality and her own morbid fantasies. This journey delves deep into the mind of a serial killer groupie, a character study that is as disturbing as it is engrossing. The film doesn't shy away from the uncomfortable truths of human fascination with the macabre, painting a raw and unflinching portrait of a woman who becomes entangled in a sinister quest for the missing video of a murdered 13-year-old girl. The performances are nothing short of exceptional, with the lead actress delivering a tour de force performance that brings Kelly-Anne's complex character to life with haunting authenticity. "Red Rooms" is a fantastic entry in psychological thrillers genre, offering a chilling yet thought-provoking experience that will linger long after the credits have rolled.

An interesting amalgam of character study and courtroom drama, two distant filmmaking styles that synchronically procreate this unique blend, which attempts to elaborate on the concepts of corruptive transgression.

I love how the protagonist was put in a position that could be questioned from a moral point of view but cannot be labeled as good or bad, as her desultory conscience, rather the decisions she makes, places her in a sheath of ambiguity.

Once the film ends and the credits start to roll, all you will be thinking about whether Kelly Anne stood for the right or for the wrong; did she give in and surrender to her deviant infatuation? Or did she finally experienced feelings of guilt and overcome her unhealthy obsession?

I adore it when movies leave questions for the audience to ponder on and "Red Rooms" left aplenty to think about.

Was pleasantly surprised after randomly catching this film on Crave. Sound design and cinematography are both superb; very moody atmosphere is developed, which does an excellent job at enhancing the aura the script evokes. From the startling glance by the accused to the gorgeous shots of the city, both elements were exceptional, great in the LUT department as well.

The acting is also commendable by all involved, particularly the main actress. I see some reviews saying she was one-dimensional or lacking in emotion, but I found that she really pulled off a mysterious and almost sociopathic vibe very well. Quick mention to wardrobe, which was also great here.

A few minor qualms with the script, I felt that there could have been a bit more depth in the development between the two main female characters, but then again I think that would have also been a tricky balancing act.

Overall, I can highly recommend this to anyone who has a penchant for thrillers with elements of horror, but this film shows that you can accomplish the horror part very well without being graphic or obscene.