Rift

This is a great addition to the queer horror catalog, about a broken relationship that we see spark and grow again between Gunnar and Einar, with one of the most sad endings I've seen in a hot minute. Sprinkled with some supernatural creepiness that grow a sense of dread and saddness and you cant seem to understand where it comes from or why Gunnar is in the middle of this with Einar, each time a small clue revealed until the ending hit you hard.

"Rökkur"/"Rift" (Iceland 2017) This is a pretty well crafted psychological thriller that will keep you guessing right up to the end (and beyond!). Months after their relationship has ended, Gunnar is awakened at 3:03am by his ex-boyfriend, Einar. His message is cryptic, "Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night and get the feeling that something is with you? Or someone?". He is calling from his family's remote cabin...and Gunnar is sufficiently worried to get dressed, hop in his car, and drive all night to get there ASAP. From this point on NOTHING is what it seems! The acting is very good, the stark scenery of the Icelandic countryside is chilling, and the storytelling is creepy as hell.....I'm just not quite sure exactly what happened. LOL. I have some theories, but if you watch this one -- I will be interested to hear your thoughts on just what this film is about. Many reviews have called it "Hitchcockian" -- but I've never seen an entire Hitchcock film to say if that is true or not....but it sounds good on paper. ;) [4/5]

"Two men's broken relationship is tested as they are haunted by a supernatural entity awakened by their grief."

That's what it was about?!

I can sheepishly and honestly say that I didn't understand what was going on from beginning to end. That's a light exaggeration as I did understand some of the relationship between the two ex-boyfriends, but I was lost as to what the hell was happening around them. The odd thing is that is what kept me watching it, ultimately proving to be a futile exercise. The countryside is beautiful in this bizarre film from Iceland. The acting wasn't bad and there are ominous moments in this very slow moving film, but they don't make any sense and it seems to me that is on purpose. Obscurity seems to be the goal here.

This is a superb thriller for those like me who enjoy brainteasers. I'll have to watch the story again to try to decipher some clues (mysterious red car, Einar's red coat, the little lad's red shirt)--these bright colours.contrasting with the greys of the often sombre, chilly landscape. The moods were intense, and something eerie was happening yet I couldn't grasp fully what is was. Is Gunnar sometimes dreaming? This kept my interest during the slow parts as I studied the meaning and nuances of the characters' broken relationship. So yes, the film is cerebral and forces the watcher to think. Thank goodness it wasn't another movie about gay men struggling with their sexuality. Nor was it chatty and noisy with banal dialogue that tells rather than SHOWS what the characters are feeling--and thankfully there are no "divas" or other such cliche stereotypes, And the cinematography is splendid. Yes, I highly recommend "Rift to film lovers who like to be.mentally challenged whilst also being entertained. Well done.

I went into this not knowing what to expect. Is it a slasher? Ghost story? Psychological thriller? Home invasion? I ended up finding out it's a slow mystery. The movie runs a little too long but the characters are interesting and the movie had a decent plot and for that I give it 6 stars. Not bad at all, good, just not great. The actors performances were great though. It's unique to find LGBTQ mysteries so see it for yourself if this subject interests you.