Kissed

I remember seeing this movie whenit was released in the theatres in Canada. We went to see the movie knowing nothing about it. I was a surprise as to the subject and I remember many people were shocked and repelled just by the subject. I was actually thrilled by the way the subject was approached. It wasn't vulgar, obscene or bawdy; on the contrary it was sensitive, almost romantic. One emphasizes with the main character, a girl who is attracted by dead persons. I felt seduced, almost hypnotised by many scenes.

All in all a very special and an excellent movie, but one which may not be seen superficially.

Movies about necrophilia are incredibly rare,mainly because this subject matter is too offensive for many filmmakers.So kudos should go to Lynne Stopkevich for creating this brave film(I'm dying to see her new feature "Suspicious River")."Kissed" isn't just another exploitation film-the depiction of necrophilia in it is really subtle.It's still more disturbing than many gross-out shockers,because it's so well-made.The acting is excellent and the direction is well-handled.So if you like this movie check out such necro-horrors like "Aftermath"(1993),"Buio Omega"(1979)and "Neromantik" series(1987,1992).The music(especially closing song)is amazing too!

Maybe I'm just being lucky, but over the last couple of years I've watched a whole bunch of fantastic Canadian movies by directors such as Atom Egoyan, Bruce McDonald and Don McKellar. These guys are making movies that are wiping the floor with most of their American contemporaries! After watching 'Kissed' add Lynne Stopkewich to that list.

She has managed to make an intelligent and touching movie about one of the last sexual taboos - necrophilia. I can't think of any other movie off the top of my head that has dealt with this subject that isn't either horror or exploitation. Now I love good horror and exploitation movies, don't get me wrong, it's just amazingly refreshing to see this kind of thing handled in a completely different and thoughtful way.

The writing, direction, cinematography are all perfect, and the acting is first class throughout. Especially Molly Parker in the lead role. Parker was funny and sweet in the cult TV show 'Twitch City' with Don McKellar, but reveals even more depth and talent with this outstanding and unforgettable performance. 'Kissed' is a totally unique and special movie. Once seen, never forgotten. I look forward to more movies from Stopkewich. If 'Kissed' is any indication of her braveness and originality, she could well turn into one of THE great film makers of this decade.

There is no more natural preoccupation than death. Everyone is aware that they are going to die but no one knows precisely what death is. We all come to terms with our mortality in our own way. Most of us try to think about death as little as possible, choosing denial. Some turn to religion for comforting beliefs about death, others embrace a "death culture", as Goths do. A very small number of people embrace death to the extent that cadavers become sexually attractive to them.

Kissed is a beautiful story about a young woman named Sandra who explores death through necrophilia. When Matt, a fellow student she becomes romantically involved with, becomes infatuated with her he desperately tries to understand her and to incorporate himself into her necrophilic lifestyle.

They both, each in their own way, use the powerful nature of love and lust to explore their feelings about death.

The acting is both professional and believable and the audience can relate to the complex characters even though none of us is ever likely to personally experience such a bizarre situation. Even when Matt's need to be loved by Sandra makes him strange and frightening, the story only feels more familiar when we realize how much we have changed ourselves for lovers. Isn't life about finding someone to love before the time is up?

The sex and nudity are artistic, not pornographic. I went away from this movie feeling like I had witnessed something important and special. It may be disturbing at times, but Kissed is never revolting. I would not have believed that a movie about this subject matter could be so beautifully and sensitively made. If you ever find yourself anxious about death or plan to die someday, I highly recommend this passionate exploration of our most primal fear.

Maybe the greatest achievement of the film is that it was able to deal with an subject such as necrophilia without falling into tastelessness. It's easy getting horrified at the idea of people being sexually attracted for corpses, but the relationship of mankind with death (That primigenial and fascinating fear) can go that far and, if you think of it, it goes way far beyond . If you are not willing to get into any reflexions about how the dead are treated, you may fell uneasy about the film. The contrast between Sandra and the other people manipulating bodies (the teachers, the embalmer) is rather eloquent.

But what I personally liked the best about it is how it figures relationships, elucidating the insane need of one not having the other have its own and private corner, the need of forcing the other to share it, and the woe that comes from not being able to stand it. In this line, necrophilia becomes just an excuse.