Ride the Snake

This is a difficult one to review, because while I was fascinated as I watched it, it also left me ultimately unsatisfied.

First off, Michael Maloney's performance is superb. At first I wasn't sure, but as you learn more about the character (or characters should I say) his performance goes from bizarre to downright stunning. To be able to switch as he does is a real skill and he pulls it off to perfection.

Miranda Nolan plays her part well too, unfortunately the same can't be said for Suzanna Hamilton who hams it up at every opportunity.

The story is intriguing and there are twists and turns aplenty, enough to keep you engaged the whole way through... and then it just sort of ends... and in a really unspectacular way.

If you have an interest in films like Shutter Island, The Voices or Split you might get something out of this one.

An atmospheric and immersive domestic horror film. It depicts a somewhat dysfunctional family unit, torn apart by the trauma of a tragic accident in the opening scenes. Their individual and collective responses to the underlying tragedy are explored and divisions between them are revealed. The film makes clever use of lighting to create an atmospheric and immersive experience, as the existential danger is unleashed in the otherwise safe and secure family home. The references to mysticism and spirituality throughout introduce another unexpected dimension to proceedings. A thought provoking and original British horror story, with excellent performances from the whole cast.

If you are looking for a slasher film then Ride the Snake is not for you. This is a slow burn in the same vein as (homage to?) films like DON'T LOOK NOW, THE SHINING, ROSEMARY'S BABY and Herzog's NOSFERATU. Though not with those films cast, budget, schedules or even director.

However, the performances are all excellent (Suzanna Hamilton does not "habit up at every opportunity") and the ensemble playing is great.

It is understandable that some people may find the ending a little unsatisfactory, however, RTS is not the kind of film to watch just once. Watch it again and it will make more sense. All the clues are there, just give it a chance.

I felt I had to review this to balance out the other reviews which seem to think this is a great movie. I found this movie to be incredibly bad. The premise isn't bad, and that's what sucked me in - seeking revenge on a drunk driver that killed the main character's husband and left her blind. Michael Maloney's portrayal of someone with multiple personalities it very good, but do all of the personalities have to be more annoying than the next? The characters seem to want to kill each other, and have multiple opportunities to do so, but pass on that opportunity, seemingly, just to prolong the film. The only genre I see this one listed under is horror, but really, this is more of a drama than anything else.