Violett

I labeled my review misunderstood because I misunderstood. I deleted my original review. What my original review got correct was the film is disturbing and disorienting. What I didn't realize was just how much so. This was a well done slowburn. Don't make the same mistake I did and have patience. If you do you'll understand how dark, demented, and twisted this really was. I thought I was desensitized, but when I realized what actually happened I couldn't believe how cruel and evil people could be to each other. I didn't see it coming and now that I understand I have to say, well played!! Give it a watch.

Sonya plays a great role as an addicted and sorrowful mother, whose child Violett apparently gets kidnapped, as have other children in the town. This movie is also notable for the vibrant colors in the cinematography. There are flashbacks, showing as a child Sonya suffered from a rather stern and possibly violent father, making her childhood one more of horror than of a carefree childhood. She also has dreams, that are woven with reality such that one cannot be certain if what she sees is real or in a dream. She is clearly addicted to drugs, and has the look about her of an addict who forgoes eating for drugs. Her dear child Violett just never returned home from school, and that was the day Sonya didn't accompany her home. We see early glimpses of the joy she had in meeting and marrying Stan but that seemed to be replaced with a more exasperated Stan, who tries but cannot pierce her state of mind. This is not a joyful film, and just some of what Sonya goes through is enough horror for many. The pacing may seem slow, but it unwinds the many interwoven parts nicely.

First, it is a horror film. That is important because the expectations for a horror film are a lot more flexible than with other genres. An audience will give the creator more latitude, more flexibility, to achieve a result. Second, the creator, writer/Director Steven J. Mihaljevich, has a reputation as a maverick. That is, he does not offer the traditional linear narrative or traditional filmic exposition. He is all about jump cuts, scenes with limited, jarring dialog, and shocking images that come and go almost with a mind of their own. There is a story, of course, but it is presented as a puzzle, for the viewer to piece togather. Third, the detailed reviews offered here by members do not match the overall ratings for the film left by viewers who did not bother to leave a review. The reviews here are mainly 10's. The actual ratings, not so much. And fourth, in my time at IMDb, with over 2000+ reviews, the reviews left here are some of the most sophisticated "fake" reviews I have ever seen. They could win an essay contest. But they are not genuine. Conclusion? The final product is visually stunning in sections but not necessarily entertaining. Mainly for film students looking to see how far the medium can be bent before it breaks completely. ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))

I really appreciate these types of films where you aren't expecting much and then the movie exceeds your expectations. From start to finish the tone of the film is one of unease; it keeps you guessing while maintaining a sense of mystery. The fact that it wasn't made by a big budget studio was to its benefit, the cinematography and acting is significantly better than what you would expect from a typical hollywood horror film. I think big movie studios are afraid to produce more artistic and creative films like this because they might not fare as well in the box office. The practical effects and use of color added to the overall experience throughout. Ultimately, it's a film about grief and trauma above all else, while the more conventional horror aspects are used to drive the plot. It's refreshing to see unique films like this when we all too often get the same cookie cutter horror films being pumped out by Hollywood. The movie currently has under 1,000 votes which is a little disappointing considering that it doesn't have the audience the film deserves. This is one I plan on rewatching to fully appreciate all the nuance and detail I might have missed.

I'm FB friends with one of the actresses so I was excited about seeing this movie. Now that I tortured myself to watch it to the end , glad it was never in US theaters and didn't waste money for a ticket. Don't understand what other critics think was do great snout this movie. Could t figure out the plot.