The Sadness

There are few movies that push the envelope so much that you wonder how they were even able to be released. Movies like Martyrs, Irreversible, Inside ect. Are all films that make you wonder "How did anyone come up with such a twisted film and how did it ever get released?". This is one of those movies. In fact, this movie takes it one step further; it actually shows you everything that can go wrong if your basic violent instinct were left unchecked. It's a raw, gritty, over the top spectacle that that never lets you forget that this is just a movie and things like this can't really happen, right? RIGHT?!?!

Things kick off almost as soon as the movie begins, and they really don't let up throughout. You have every single extreme horror trope thrown in here, everything you could possibly see in your average horror movie can be found here; dismemberment, blood, carnage, evisceration, a bloody orgy. I mean, the only thing it doesn't show is the more extreme stuff that no one wants to see anyway and that never warrants a mention, but for true gore hounds and fans of movie such as those from the French Extremity, this is right up your alley.

The acting is great, the effects are realistic and comically well done and excessive, and the movie is just a truly entertaining watch from beginning to end. You know it's going to end in a messed up way but you watch anyway, simply because everyone put their true heart and soul into this film. The SFX crew in particular should be commended at creating some of the best facial deformities I have ever seen. During some scenes, I literally said, "How the hell did they do THAT?!?".

Many people have been comparing this film to the comic book series "CROSSED" and I can see where the similarities can be found. But let's be real, folks; half the stuff in Crossed could NEVER be used in a movie, and this film is tame compared to some of the truly twisted and sick things that happened in that comic book.

I loved every minute of this film, and although it's nasty and extreme and vulgar, it never lets you forget that despite all that, it's just a movie. Most people won't like it, and deservedly so. But for those of us who do enjoy this type of film, it's one of the rare ones that truly lives up to the hype.

I was thoroughly impressed in every possible way with this movie, but I deducted 2 stars simply because I felt it could have gone further. Perhaps an uncut version will be released down the line and make me eat my words. Fingers CROSSED!!!! (Get it?!?!)

After a slow introduction, this film soon becomes one of the most nightmarish horror experiences and you will surely be left with the most bitter taste ever.

Up to you whether this is a bad or good thing!

The Sadness is pretty much what I expected (and hoped for) judging from the trailers.

A completely bonkers and hyper violent & disturbing movie that is an intense viewing experience.

While there are some attempts at social commentary, there is not much besides the mayhem and gore going on - but I think most people will be fine with that.

Yes, this is exactly the best way to describe it.

I don't know if the director intentionally aimed to weave deep psychological themes into the film, or if it was just to make a name.

But I do know that the film carries a heavy tension between ethics and human desire throughout.

It's a film with little unnecessary dialogue-almost 90% of the conversations have meaning, delivering the film's core message.

In the most colloquial terms, the film's theme can be summed up as: "They're aware, but the pleasure feels inevitable-as if you're telling them not to blink."

A film that reflects the endlessness of human desire.

A film that acts like a warning.

A film that says the only thing keeping us from total collapse is that thin thread of awareness about ethics.

One of the most interesting and heartbreaking aspects is that it's not a virus that turns you into someone else, or a zombie, or anything like that.

It's still you-completely you-who transforms from a victim into a full-blown maniac with no boundaries or rules.

And in the final scene, where the director builds the story's climax in the very last moments, when even the protagonist is not spared from the madness, and the tears and pain turn into tears of twisted pleasure- you hope for a happy ending, but the director keeps you suspended in a surreal state at every moment- a surrealism rooted in realism.

This is a hot one right now. It promises violence and definitely delivers on that front. Some, however, are praising it for its commentary on the COVID pandemic but I found its messages to be pretty thin. I think there was potential for a profound allegory but it merely toys at one here and there and then remembers what it is - a nihilistic gorefest. I will say it has great production value and some very memorable shots. It will appease the twisted side of the hardcore horror fan - it superficially prioritizes shock value and I suppose it's worth a viewing out of pure curiosity. In the end though, I didn't find it to be too special in the grand scheme of zombie/Crazies-type films.