The Other Lamb

I saw this film at TIFF 2019. I didn't know what to expect going in, having never seen any of Malgorzata Szumowska's films. While I can understand that this film won't be everyone's cup of tea, I was mesmerized by the stunning visuals, the dreamlike atmosphere, and the slow-burn storytelling, all of which culminate in a violent but ultimately satisfying climax. Raffey Cassidy is excellent as the female lead, and Michiel Huisman, who I'm usually lukewarm on, does a surprisingly good job at playing a villain you love to hate. Over time, I can see The Other Lamb becoming a cult classic of sorts. And the film's final shot is one for the ages!

This movie is very "arty". It's a slow, almost character study film. It's portrays these peoples lives and that's it. There are no major stakes or plot. It's just very uncomfortable and sad but intriguing.

It looks amazing. I think the cinematography was lovely. The locations are too. I also think the costumes are amazing and thoughtful. All the woman are dressed in poppy synthetic colours, this makes them stand out against the nature around them. It is a simple idea but genius.

I think you could watch if you like slow, intriguing films.

Not sure about the comparisons to Midsommar, The VVitch, The Village and certainly not The Wicker Man. There's far less going on (literally) in this than in any of them. I didn't hate it, but I was certainly bored, and empathised more with the bemused policemen than anyone else. Nice sheep though.

This is the story of a christianesqe cult of all women and their one master living out in the woods. For the life of me I don't see why this is touted as a horror movie, marketing gambit? It is these women's pleasure to serve their shepherd hand and foot...and booty. It's the very slow, long, drawn out story of one of his daughters finally opening her eyes to his real "ideology" and his real treatment of these women. Plus, it didn't hurt that his own arrogance finally got the better of him. As slow as this is, and as NOT a horror story as this is, I was somehow held by the story. I found myself drawn - maybe by the lush cinematography.

The scenery is strikingly beautiful, but the whole story is so bizarre and disturbing.