"Shell of Fear" got me deeply hooked, intrigued and thrilled from the very first few minutes, despite not knowing exactly what the
story would be like and how nerve-wrecking it could be. I'll say it was a good watch, mostly entertaining, but it's also easy to understand
the lack of appeal it gets with certain aspects, going from the excessive use of plot twists that by today's standards can only impress the
less experienced viewers; to some poor editorial choices, intrusive music score, and a B-movie quality that looks cringey at times. The first-timers
deliver some nice acting, particularly leading man Leonardo Calderone, who goes into a transformation as the story progresses that it's unbelievably
insane and fun to watch.
It starts out in a very dramatic and psychological manner, as we follow the tormented
Samuel (Calderone), challenged by his therapist (Luca di Corrado) to try to overcome his agoraphobia and take action for things he
want in life. Maybe trying a new relationship and not having to depend on two women: one who works as his maid, and the other as a prostitute.
But when two mysterious thugs break into his home, threatning him to perform a dangerous job for a certain figure from his past, things begin
to take a deadly and frightening turn, and maybe Samuel isn't all that much of a sufferer after all.
The progressive turn of events and different genres is very intriguing to watch, with snowballing plot twists that happens way too
fast (a lot of people won't find anything so believable, or at times much too sickening and cruel). It's interesting to see Samuel's descent to
madness, but the ultimate twists I could've seen it a mile away - it's one of those things any Shyamalan could've done it, difference here is
this isn't an horror film. It's a psychological thriller that tries a little too hard in twisting audiences nerves to show that our hero might not
be what he appears. For the moments I was being fooled, I was stunned. If you're not too demanding you may have a good time. 6/10.
