Zebra Girl

An engrossing thriller, it held my attention and I really enjoyed it. The gore was a bit much but once you get past that, learning the backstory and everything that led up to the event is incredibly interesting, albeit sad. This is also a visually brilliant movie. A well made thriller.

This was not at all the film I thought I was signing up for. Fortunately I really liked the film it turned out to be.

Judging by the synopsis here and the trailer it looked like:

"I have just discovered something horrible about my husband so I snap and kill him"

That's not what this film is at all. It is more:

"I have a complex history and a complex relationship which leads to murder"

Calling this film a comedy is also WAY off the mark. The very small, very brief bits of jet black comedy are completely drowned out by the uncomfortable darkness. Ultimately this film is a tragedy and you have to accept that going in.

This reminded me strongly of Marjane Satrapi's 'The Voices' with a hint of Cory Finley's 'Thoroughbreds' (Both excellent films BTW). From the very opening shot the mental state of the protagonist is in question and the way the film plays out from that point doesn't have too many surprises, but it's superb nonetheless. Sarah Roy in particular puts in sterling work.

Accept this as an uncomfortable tragedy rather than a black comedy and I think it's well worth watching.

I thought this film was excellent. The way it approaches such serious mental health issues is very clever and the humorous side of things really helps strike a balance. Also really liked the soundtrack. Would definitely recommend!

Great film. Read previous reviews and was sceptical.

Didn't expect to like it as much as I did but the hour 20 went quick enough.

The acting was solid, the Catherines were perfectly cast and Dan was as you'd expect - could have done with a bit more ruthlessness though.

Would definitely recommend for a bit of a difference.

This effectively disturbing horror film is not for the faint of heart (there's a scene involving flesh and a saw that's among the most unsetting things I've seen in recent memory). But if you're up for it, the film offers a very interesting exploration of trauma.

Like all the best genre films, "Zebra Girl" is both specific an universal. The basic set up (the aftermath of a murder) is a gateway to an exploration of childhood abuse and how the protagonist processes it.

The film is definitely scary, but it's most significant achievement might be that it understands how trauma makes you see enemies everywhere (even behind the eyes of people who care about you).

Again, unsettling stuff. But if you're a fan of the genre and enjoy a good provocation, prepare for a potent viewing experience.