Violett

Some of the best horror films are those that burn slowly, embers of nightmarish intent smouldering until the end, and continuing to burn into the mind long after the final image fades.

VIOLETT (named after the young girl in the film) is a study of psychological disrepair, shrouded by an ominous cloud of despair. It's a young woman's personal hell, a mother, Sonya (Georgia Eyers), traumatised, struggling to cope, terrified for her young daughter's safety.

There is danger at her doorstep. Her husband is at wit's end, and her neighbours are weird. As Sonya's reality unravels - providing the viewer with a suitably unreliable perspective - the darkest truth is finally uncovered. It's a terrific ending.

Imagine David Lynch down under. Think the elements of mystery and allure from Blue Velvet, but from the point of view of Dorothy.

Writer/director Steven Mihaljevich has conjured a very dreamlike portrait of the ruinous nature of guilt. Rich in symbolism and texture. It's a film that is beautiful and grim in equal measure. Georgia Eyers is fantastic in the lead role as Sonya.

Watch it on the biggest screen you can.

First, it is a horror film. That is important because the expectations for a horror film are a lot more flexible than with other genres. An audience will give the creator more latitude, more flexibility, to achieve a result. Second, the creator, writer/Director Steven J. Mihaljevich, has a reputation as a maverick. That is, he does not offer the traditional linear narrative or traditional filmic exposition. He is all about jump cuts, scenes with limited, jarring dialog, and shocking images that come and go almost with a mind of their own. There is a story, of course, but it is presented as a puzzle, for the viewer to piece togather. Third, the detailed reviews offered here by members do not match the overall ratings for the film left by viewers who did not bother to leave a review. The reviews here are mainly 10's. The actual ratings, not so much. And fourth, in my time at IMDb, with over 2000+ reviews, the reviews left here are some of the most sophisticated "fake" reviews I have ever seen. They could win an essay contest. But they are not genuine. Conclusion? The final product is visually stunning in sections but not necessarily entertaining. Mainly for film students looking to see how far the medium can be bent before it breaks completely. ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))

I really appreciate these types of films where you aren't expecting much and then the movie exceeds your expectations. From start to finish the tone of the film is one of unease; it keeps you guessing while maintaining a sense of mystery. The fact that it wasn't made by a big budget studio was to its benefit, the cinematography and acting is significantly better than what you would expect from a typical hollywood horror film. I think big movie studios are afraid to produce more artistic and creative films like this because they might not fare as well in the box office. The practical effects and use of color added to the overall experience throughout. Ultimately, it's a film about grief and trauma above all else, while the more conventional horror aspects are used to drive the plot. It's refreshing to see unique films like this when we all too often get the same cookie cutter horror films being pumped out by Hollywood. The movie currently has under 1,000 votes which is a little disappointing considering that it doesn't have the audience the film deserves. This is one I plan on rewatching to fully appreciate all the nuance and detail I might have missed.

This is the best movie ever inspired by Vincent van gogh's famous album cover for Black Sabbath. Over exposed grain also evokes some classic British folk horror. The lead actress method acting as a recovering heroin addict expecting at any moment to be punched in the face is effective on an unnerving level. The horror aficionados expecting linear slash n scream aren't getting the point of a technicolor Wisconsin death trip art film, but you can't blame them, it isn't exactly everyone's cup of tea. Would enjoy this directors take on different grindhouse genres, a little wicker man here, some Sam peckinpah there, maybe even a little ed wood just for giggles. Big budget wise I would give him a chance at a single ember zombie apocalypse, he's certainly found the actress for that.

I labeled my review misunderstood because I misunderstood. I deleted my original review. What my original review got correct was the film is disturbing and disorienting. What I didn't realize was just how much so. This was a well done slowburn. Don't make the same mistake I did and have patience. If you do you'll understand how dark, demented, and twisted this really was. I thought I was desensitized, but when I realized what actually happened I couldn't believe how cruel and evil people could be to each other. I didn't see it coming and now that I understand I have to say, well played!! Give it a watch.