Lazareth

I watched this movie randomly, like I usually do and I liked it, later I was surprised when I saw the low ratings and the reviews.

So, I felt obliged to mention and explain why I liked it and how it is actually a good movie. In my humble opinion.

Most modern movies are based on action and/or visuals, and totally disregard the substance of the story.

You might get the visuals from those; you might get popular actors and you might get some superficial ambiguous plot filled with holes and cliches.

This one is obviously different.

The plot is solid, the idea and the philosophy of this movie is like clear yet very deep water.

You should stare into it a bit to discover what lays beneath, you should pay attention to understand.

I would also like to spend a moment to appreciate the actresses who have done a great job, it is hard not to sympathize.

Moreover, the characters - without giving us any superficial info about their background, we get to experience them through a series of small interactions, which paint a good and realistic picture of their personalities. This is some work well done.

Somehow this movie manages to sell you an idea of a cult (I guess you can call it a cult) and moreover give you a perspective on how it can be appropriate or morally good to have one.

And all of this while avoiding silly cliches and meaningless dialogues.

Not saying all of this is totally new or flawlessly executed.

Maybe it's not a flawless gem, but it surely is good enough to ponder on.

This movie is much better than it is being given credit to.

However, you really need to be in the right mood to appreciate the beauty and the idea, and how it is different from many similar ones you might've seen before.

I don't see what the point of "Lazareth" is. There are lots of stories about societal collapse, but most of them make a clear statement. I couldn't find that here. Ashley Judd, Sarah Pidgeon and Katie Douglas put on okay performances, but nothing came of it. If you want something truly dramatic focusing on something like this, stick to "A Quiet Place" or "The Last of Us". At the very least, you get a defined purpose with those (and no shortage of intensity).

Basically, this is what you might watch if there's literally nothing else to do (although you could probably go for a walk). Nothing interesting here.

The movie feels like a mix of movies we've already seen in this genre. Nothing felt new, nothing was surprising or stood out. It was just one big...meh.

The male lead was the weakest in the cast - to the point I just wanted to fast forward when he was on screen.

You can certainly find something better to watch this year - but you'll have to dig to find something worse released this year.

The movie feels like a mix of movies we've already seen in this genre. Nothing felt new, nothing was surprising or stood out. It was just one big...meh.

The male lead was the weakest in the cast - to the point I just wanted to fast forward when he was on screen.

You can certainly find something better to watch this year - but you'll have to dig to find something worse released this year.

Again, a movie that is a disgrace to the whole entertainment industry. I sometimes think that the producers, writers and directors of such "sizzling rotten shrimps" do it on purpose. Having viewers on the edge of their seats while banging their heads on their cell phones.

I'm not surprised, that's not the first drivel of such that I've watched, won't be the last, but I'm still struggling to find the reason of such movies.

So far, I've found none other than these are being made on purpose. Maybe some very hidden message or evil hypnosis between frames. Who knows?!

• Screenplay/storyline/plots: 2
• Production value/impact: 1
• Development: 4
• Realism: 2.5
• Entertainment: 2
• Acting: 4
• Filming/photography/cinematography: 6
• VFX: 4
• Music/score/sound: 4.5
• Depth: 3
• Logic: 1.5
• Flow: 1.5
• Thriller/drama: 2.5
• Ending: 2.

Lazareth is a film that struggles to find its footing, dragging viewers through a slow-paced and uneventful narrative that fails to build tension or deliver meaningful payoff.

Despite a promising concept and visually interesting moments, the plot moves at a glacial pace with little character development or emotional engagement. Scenes feel repetitive, and the dialogue often meanders without purpose. The film's atmosphere might appeal to fans of minimalist storytelling, but for most viewers, it feels like a tedious watch that never quite justifies its runtime.

Overall, Lazareth is more likely to test your patience than leave a lasting impression.