False Positive

Conceived as more of a 'Rosemary's Baby' (Roman Polanski, 1968)-style horror film, John Lee's 'False Positive' attempts to craft an intriguing social commentary of sorts around modern fertility, the evils of the patriarchy, and men's desires for control over women's bodies. The movie has its decent thrilling moments, but the lifeless script and bland performances damn the film. One of the weakest entries in A24 library.

This movie definitely suffers from "Trying to Do Too Much" Syndrome. While the initial premise is intriguing, it quickly fell apart. It tries to be Rosemary's Baby, but with too many messages, too many symbols, and not enough clarity.

Predictable, doesn't do a lot in the first hour and what he does, it's not spectacular. The acting also goes from very good to comical and I can say the same about the direction, as really good shots (the mirror, the room at night...) are side by side with some vulgar directing.

I can't say that this is an insulting bad film, but I can't also say that is a good one. Rosemary's Baby did muuuch better more than 50 years ago.

PS: and what a weird monologue coming from nowhere, blaming the men for...science.

I don't really understand the plot. The story has premise as a mystery thriller, but it is confusing. Questions aren't answered, so I don't actually know what really happened in the film.

No spoiler review, though a caution warning that this isn't a movie suitable for anyone who has lost a baby for a few grotesque reasons.

What starts out quite promising and unique, although a little slow it effectively builds up an anxious paranoid tension. In parts it actually reminded me of The Devils Advocate.

I was actually intrigued and entertained for the first 45 minutes, but suddenly felt sickened by what unfolded towards the end. It didn't sit well with me at all. It was incredibly strange, grotesque, a little upsetting and in poor taste. I'm not even sure if the writers knew where they were going with this!

The final scene left me feeling rather disgusted and not in a good way. And I love horror!