Creepy, Atmospheric, And About As Traditional As Traditional Folk Horror Films Go.
Writer-director Daniel Kokotajlo has taken a stab at the folk horror genre in his sophomore feature, Starve Acre.
A slow paced tale about how a local legend starts to influence- and take over- the personality of a young boy, that is being raised in this rural setting.
Though, much like we saw previously, in Run Rabbit Run...it's moreso about the psychological affect this change has on his parents...as opposed to the child, himself.
How they, as the one's who are supposed to offer their child unconditional love, are forced to cope with the ordeal that has become the focal point of their, and their child's, life.
As their son becomes increasingly disconnected, and violent.
While claiming to have formed a relationship with an "imaginary" character, from a local folk tale, central to their idyllic little town's lore.
Before succumbing to an asthma attack.
Obviously, dealing with such a situation starts to have an effect on their individual mental health.
On top of their relationship with one another, and the other people in their lives.
Which is precisely what Kokotajlo has set out to explore in this film.
Though, in typical folk horror fashion, things start to take a turn in a wildly different direction.
And start to get weird.
As we learn how what we've been watching unfold, connects back to the land...and their family's ties to it.
As what ensues becomes increasingly more vicious.
Despite the creepily alluring atmosphere that permeates the film...it seems to have rubbed many viewers the wrong way.
Which is, no doubt, a result of it's convoluted plot structure...and the way the film ends.
As it concludes on both a bizarre, and slightly confounding, note.
Which requires that you had paid rather close attention to it's more subtle elements, in order to garner a proper understanding of it.
And truly appreciate it, for what it is.
I rather enjoyed it.
But completely understand why many have taken issue with it, at the same time.
While not perfect...it's a solid little folk horror, that takes it's place alongside titles like The Whicker Man and The VVitch.
Even if it's not quite as laudable as those examples.
If you are a fan of the folk horror genre...this is likely going to be up your alley.
However, if you aren't as acclimated and familiar with this type of film, you might want to pass it by.
I certainly enjoyed it, though.
And must admit...it kept me intrigued, throughout.
6 out of 10.
A slow paced tale about how a local legend starts to influence- and take over- the personality of a young boy, that is being raised in this rural setting.
Though, much like we saw previously, in Run Rabbit Run...it's moreso about the psychological affect this change has on his parents...as opposed to the child, himself.
How they, as the one's who are supposed to offer their child unconditional love, are forced to cope with the ordeal that has become the focal point of their, and their child's, life.
As their son becomes increasingly disconnected, and violent.
While claiming to have formed a relationship with an "imaginary" character, from a local folk tale, central to their idyllic little town's lore.
Before succumbing to an asthma attack.
Obviously, dealing with such a situation starts to have an effect on their individual mental health.
On top of their relationship with one another, and the other people in their lives.
Which is precisely what Kokotajlo has set out to explore in this film.
Though, in typical folk horror fashion, things start to take a turn in a wildly different direction.
And start to get weird.
As we learn how what we've been watching unfold, connects back to the land...and their family's ties to it.
As what ensues becomes increasingly more vicious.
Despite the creepily alluring atmosphere that permeates the film...it seems to have rubbed many viewers the wrong way.
Which is, no doubt, a result of it's convoluted plot structure...and the way the film ends.
As it concludes on both a bizarre, and slightly confounding, note.
Which requires that you had paid rather close attention to it's more subtle elements, in order to garner a proper understanding of it.
And truly appreciate it, for what it is.
I rather enjoyed it.
But completely understand why many have taken issue with it, at the same time.
While not perfect...it's a solid little folk horror, that takes it's place alongside titles like The Whicker Man and The VVitch.
Even if it's not quite as laudable as those examples.
If you are a fan of the folk horror genre...this is likely going to be up your alley.
However, if you aren't as acclimated and familiar with this type of film, you might want to pass it by.
I certainly enjoyed it, though.
And must admit...it kept me intrigued, throughout.
6 out of 10.
- meddlecore
- 19 août 2024