The Vance Institute

Have been a long time enjoyer of Lawrie Brewster directed films and this is his darkest yet, familiar locations and some thowback soundtrack music that makes me want to watch past films. The cast does an excellent job big shout out to jamie scott gordon who is always excellent his constant air of tention is a joy to watch, the black and whilte was not expected but it works realy well the shadow work in the bedrooms is fantastic, even though im a hex media fanboy i will of course be honest the only let down being that it is somewhat predictable but frankly im nitpicking. Im short on words according to IMDB

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Participating in a self-help workshop, a group of strangers arrives at a guru's compound in the woods to begin training in a series of dangerous and somewhat unethical activities designed to push them to be better people at the expense others in the program.

There was a lot to like about this one. Among the better features here stems from the overall setup of the situation and what goes on at the institute. The idea of this lonely group of misfits and losers being brought to this bizarre and secluded locale in the woods by a sketchy doctor and put through an increasingly alarming series of tests designed to evoke their personal demons and push them past it to grow as a person comes across rather nicely. Giving us a chance to get to know who they are and what they're struggling with, there's a lot to like here as everything comes together into a solid, chilling setup. This leads into the film's enjoyable series of tortures and psychological mind-games he puts everyone through to achieve his desired results. As they're put through personal struggles designed around their own issues or group-based tactics to push them through challenging ordeals, these scenes provide the kind of traumatic-centric activities that figure into his devious nature. They grow darker and more psychologically charged as it goes along which leads into the wild finale involving some decent twists and reveals that showcase some intriguing elements, providing a lot to enjoy overall. The film does have some drawbacks holding it back. The main factor against this one is the overall obvious nature of the doctor's duplicitous tactics without any alarms going off. He's not portrayed as the charming snake or the smooth-talking radical presenting something different for gullible victims the way these types of characters are usually played off as here he's just an abusive tormentor putting them through intense tortures without question. The tactics and philosophy are so questionable it's a wonder how he got this far much like the first one, and along with the low-budget look here are what bring this down.

Rated Unrated/R: Graphic Language and Violence.

What this film sets out to do, it does.

The feeling of isolation and helplessness against the corporation is my favourite aspect of the film. From the scenes of the contestants alone in their rooms to their brief time together before challenges, nothing feels safe. Nothing they are given feels like it can be trusted and those in charge have an unsettling dark edge.

The only negatives I can think of is the sometimes jarring cutaways and editing along with the choice to make the film B&W. I'd love to have seen a version with even just some slight colour. The characters wear these cool red jumpsuits I wish we'd seen in all their glory.

The B&W does works best during scenes set at night with those classic heavy hex shadows that I love so much.

The cast do a wonderful job throughout and maintain a good chemistry throughout. You don't want to see them die so when that fate does meet some of them you can't help but feel some sadness.

Its a film with a gripping plot and premise that keeps you engaged for its runtime while also leaving the door open for more possible stories.

Hex once again demonstrate they know quality and how to make it. One for the watchlist.

This film makes good use of being in black and white to enhance the setting and plot. Gives shadows to hide in and makes everything feel so much more sinister.

The acting was really good, Each character was unique. (A lot of horror films, characters are using there for plot or tropes, these were not) It feels like a love letter to so many films and genre's while telling its own story.

I think this film did well to explore the human mind and dark minded people wanted to exploit that.

I would recommend this to anyone who loves cult horror films or modern takes like black mirror and maybe even something like squid game to an extent.

To quote the film, 'look at the results'

I think the results speak for themselves as I really enjoyed it.

To me this felt like a nice blend of The Stanford Experiment, Squid Game and fragments of A Field In England plus a little pinch of Dead Man's shoes.

An edgy psychological horror that used the black and white palatte properly to add shadows alluding to the dark world of the characters.

The set design was great with the cold uninviting hard edged Institute matching the militant titular Vance and his team.

I think the cinematography was very well done, perhaps a little too static at times, but I'm pleased it let the scenes unfold rather than force any dramatic tension.

I read another review that mentioned the static shots of the Institute being a bit too long, and I kind of agree with that, but besides that minor factor, The Vance Institute is a great twisted tale that has a great unnerving vibe.