The Vance Institute

To me this felt like a nice blend of The Stanford Experiment, Squid Game and fragments of A Field In England plus a little pinch of Dead Man's shoes.

An edgy psychological horror that used the black and white palatte properly to add shadows alluding to the dark world of the characters.

The set design was great with the cold uninviting hard edged Institute matching the militant titular Vance and his team.

I think the cinematography was very well done, perhaps a little too static at times, but I'm pleased it let the scenes unfold rather than force any dramatic tension.

I read another review that mentioned the static shots of the Institute being a bit too long, and I kind of agree with that, but besides that minor factor, The Vance Institute is a great twisted tale that has a great unnerving vibe.

The Vance Institute is a Suspense filled psychological thriller/horror. It is heavy on having a disturbing atmosphere throughout the movie. There are definitely some themes and layers to this movie as well as the characters. The main theme is people dealing with their insecurities and inner fears and whether or not they will let others in an authority use those insecurities and fears to manipulate them.. I can almost see a metaphor for those that run this institute representing the government, the super wealthy and powerful . Those who are attending the institute are us, the people who are being manipulated. I could be reading to much into that as I am nit sure of the writers intention. This is a very dark film so don't expect a happy ending.

Overall I really enjoyed this film. It was well directed and acted and well written. I highly recomend.

This film makes good use of being in black and white to enhance the setting and plot. Gives shadows to hide in and makes everything feel so much more sinister.

The acting was really good, Each character was unique. (A lot of horror films, characters are using there for plot or tropes, these were not) It feels like a love letter to so many films and genre's while telling its own story.

I think this film did well to explore the human mind and dark minded people wanted to exploit that.

I would recommend this to anyone who loves cult horror films or modern takes like black mirror and maybe even something like squid game to an extent.

To quote the film, 'look at the results'

I think the results speak for themselves as I really enjoyed it.

Have been a long time enjoyer of Lawrie Brewster directed films and this is his darkest yet, familiar locations and some thowback soundtrack music that makes me want to watch past films. The cast does an excellent job big shout out to jamie scott gordon who is always excellent his constant air of tention is a joy to watch, the black and whilte was not expected but it works realy well the shadow work in the bedrooms is fantastic, even though im a hex media fanboy i will of course be honest the only let down being that it is somewhat predictable but frankly im nitpicking. Im short on words according to IMDB

Im Bruce and i approve this message.

What this film sets out to do, it does.

The feeling of isolation and helplessness against the corporation is my favourite aspect of the film. From the scenes of the contestants alone in their rooms to their brief time together before challenges, nothing feels safe. Nothing they are given feels like it can be trusted and those in charge have an unsettling dark edge.

The only negatives I can think of is the sometimes jarring cutaways and editing along with the choice to make the film B&W. I'd love to have seen a version with even just some slight colour. The characters wear these cool red jumpsuits I wish we'd seen in all their glory.

The B&W does works best during scenes set at night with those classic heavy hex shadows that I love so much.

The cast do a wonderful job throughout and maintain a good chemistry throughout. You don't want to see them die so when that fate does meet some of them you can't help but feel some sadness.

Its a film with a gripping plot and premise that keeps you engaged for its runtime while also leaving the door open for more possible stories.

Hex once again demonstrate they know quality and how to make it. One for the watchlist.