The Bloodhound

Super reminiscent of Yorgos Lanthimos films, specifically Dogtooth. That stilted, other worldly, dialogue with a tone that bounces between absurd hilarity and mysterious horror. This is all emphasized by the fantastic performances and dynamic between Liam Aiken and Joe Adler. They really do a great job at portraying that intimate yet slightly awkward relationship between two friends who once we're very close but haven't been in contact for a while. The increasingly unusual goings on during their time together really do keep you wondering where things will end up.

Major props to the production design on this one. There's some really great costume choices and a really great filming location, that being this 60's or 70's era home that looks like it was a passion project by an architect.

It's short (1 hour and 12 minutes) and sweet. If you don't mind some purposeful slowness, this film deserves a watch, especially considering that I haven't heard anybody talking about this.

And, a strange movie it is. But, really well done. If you liked Eraserhead you will like this movie. The plot is fairly simple -- "Old friend" wasn't really that much of a friend. No, this movie is all about the mood. The melancholy. I would watch it again in a minute just to see the absolutely perfect Mid-Century Modern house and furnishings. Whoever did the set totally nailed it. Top-to-bottom, accurate Mid-Century Modern.

Is it slow? Yes. Does everything make sense? No. But I don't think that was the point of this movie. If you need a tight little average story with an A-Z typical plot, this is not the film for you. If you like a film that conveys ambiance and disturbing, vague suggestions of a back-story, then you'll probably like it.

Beautifully shot, very well cast and acted. It's a strange film that won't be for everyone (e.g. Those who need everything to be explained to them and to make sense), but I loved it.

Is it a psychological thriller? Is it a monster movie? Is it a haunted house movie?

The Bloodhound is just weird enough to be compelling ... but too weird to make any sense.

Possibly, that's the point

It's one of those movies that you keep checking the time stamp to see how much time is left to answer a few questions. When you realize there's only five minutes left for the movie to explain itself, you get that sinking feeling ... it's gonna end the way it began. Weird.

I didn't hate watching it. Kind of a sensory experience. But, ultimately unsatisfying. Too many unanswered and unanswerable questions.

If you've been exposed to the original Gothic text by Poe, then this film will make more sense than if you haven't. And while this isn't exactly 'The Fall of the House of Usher', it is mimetic in tone and spirit. The film has all the Gothic elements which give it a sense of the uncanny.

The actors are good at maintaining a sense of uneasiness, the script is sparse and the direction is very good-the director obviously understands the source material. Notably, the house itself is an Uber-stylish panopticon which compliments the atmosphere perfectly. One niggle, here, though, is that the house isn't quite as strong a character as perhaps it could have been. But, saying that, this was probably a deliberate directorial decision-given that the director is well versed with the source material. However, it is the music and sound design that keeps the tension high throughout. Both have the effect of being unsettling without being over the top.

If you like Poe, or you love the Gothic-style, then this is a good film-and it certainly doesn't outstay its welcome at under 2 hours.