Sator

This movie was on my radar for a while and I finally decided to watch it after looking at the trailer... It starts off okay, but nothing really happens, acting is okay, but there is no backstory on any of the characters, I just did not get it and couldn't wait for it to be over,it was so boring I went to sleep after watching this at 9pm, just not my type of film.

The film is nearly very good but after a long build up that's too slow, tension has been barely built and the climax is utterly disappointing. It's the 'blockbuster indie' genre-aesthetic of the Witch (and similar films) which I thinks great but again despite promise or direction this is never fulfilled with a set piece or anything.

The film also attempts an abstract storytelling by the end but this is a bit hamfisted and instead feels a bit like poor writing or just plain nonsense.

Nothing new with the story, spirits encroach on the material world, corrupting a family until disturbing violence erupts. The deer skull and gas lantern style is one of my favourites but really could have been amped up, you'll know what I mean by the end when you've barely seen anything terrifying happen at all...

I definitely wanted the film to be much better than it was, but it wasn't! Don't necessarily avoid but I wouldn't seek it out.

Well if you're a "horror fan" but you tend to only watch the Freddy/Jason/Michael Myers movies over and over, this movie is not for you...

However, if you like movies like "The Witch", "Blair Witch Project" and can get into existential dread and supernatural horror, this creepy and cohesive movie will cast a spell on you and pull you in. Quite a bit is left unknown, and quite a bit is a puzzle so there is some work on behalf of the viewer. You can't merely just watch with your loud bros and throw your popcorn up in the air and scream and giggle when the next jump scare happens.

The acting is minimal and emotive. Most of the dialogue comes from Nani/Grandma who doesn't merely act, she IS the character. You'll see what I mean. To me, this is the creepy heart of the movie.

Visually it's dark, dreary, atmospheric and full of doom with Pagan references and a dash of what I would call a rustic, Cascadian Black Metal aesthetic. I loved the raw, minimal grit of the cinematography which is really well done. Also, I suggest watching with headphones in order to get the whole quiet is loud vibe of the film. The sound design is spot on as well.

For me, a longtime and avid horror fan, very rarely do I find the kind of movie that I wished I had made. It goes up there with my classics. Sator is one that I would recommend to fans of existential dread, atmospheric horror, and people that love to be creeped out. Not "boo!" jump cut scared, but genuinely creeped out when you go to bed and then the movie lingers in your thoughts the next day. I loved Sator. I watched it last night and I think I want to watch it again today.

I think you probably can enjoy this if you take 10 double espressos.

Interesting atmosphere. That's it. I totally believe that people who create this all-artsy horror films are the same people who pay 1000£ for a meal in a gourmet restaurant. Very pretty, but in truth, your mum's food tastes much better.

And what a waste of a very interesting cinematography and creatures design. 😴

Some films are worth waiting and sitting through, this isn't one of them. Creepy atmosphere, beautiful cinematography plagued with poor story and pacing. Disappointing to say the least.