Violett

Beautiful cinematography and art direction, the best thing about this movie. The compositions, lighting and colour selection are A1, very impressive and appealing. The protagonist and her daughter have a gothic aesthetic that I really liked, and suited the atmosphere. The 'witch' was a great character that I feel was underused. The handyman was a little too goofy. The husband had the right look, but was an underwhelming character that didn't have enough to say. Dialogue in general was not great, not engaging enough. Overall story and twists were okay, although I saw it coming. One major criticism is that it was way too slow between the more engaging scenes. Better thought out dialogue would have changed that substantially. Basically, the ideas are good, aesthetics outstanding, but it just doesn't quite get there as a whole. A one off watch, when you can't find anything else more promising.

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.

It's nothing new under the sun. It is indeed horror but more of a psychological horror than a supernatural although they did manage to incorporate some supernatural elements and even a nod at the Disney show white witch trying to convince someone to eat the apple. That could have also been interpreted as eating the apple could open your eyes and make you see what's really happening like the garden of Eden. Anyway I actually didn't see the ending coming as you end up getting faked out not once, not twice, but three times and when you realize what really happened everything makes so much more sense. A movie with a plot and an ending. The build up was a little bit of a slow burn but once the ball gets rolling it rolls right up until the ending credits. I also would like to point out the over saturation of colors and the makeup used to convey emotion were fascinating. It's worth a watch for sure.

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.