I had been trying to find out the title of a creepy film I caught on TV late at night, more than 15 years back (it was broadcast on Doordarshan channel from India). Having stumped even the experts on IMDb Message Boards, I had all but given up hope of finding out, when fate finally decided to take pity on me. Today I've finally tracked down the film whose images have been haunting me since the late 1980s.
The film is about an aristocratic/bourgeosie family living in the countryside in a mansion surrounded by their plantations. One morning the family wakes up to discover that all their slaves and servants have run off, having endured much cruelty and arrogance at the hands of the family. The elders decide that they won't go anywhere for help, and will work on their own lands. Of course, having no experience they soon run out of food. Meanwhile, tensions and jealousy between the family members mounts, culminating in murder. But, as they soon realize in desperation, murder can be helpful in survival...
This is a brilliant (if somewhat morbid) drama/black comedy, directed with assured style, and vividly acted. The final few minutes a text-book example of perfection in minimalism, and are guaranteed to have chills running up your spine. I just wish someone would release this masterpiece on DVD soon. Hell, I would even be thankful for a VHS copy.
my rating: 9/10
