6.7 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
Widow Ruth is seven months pregnant when, believing herself to be guided by her unborn baby, she embarks on a homicidal rampage, dispatching anyone who stands in her way.
Starring: Alice Lowe (III), Gemma Whelan, Kate Dickie, Jo Hartley, Kayvan NovakHorror | 100% |
Thriller | Insignificant |
Drama | Insignificant |
Comedy | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.39:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A (C untested)
Movie | 4.5 | |
Video | 3.5 | |
Audio | 5.0 | |
Extras | 0.0 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
Alice Lowe has amassed a substantial amount of credits as a character actress, making brief appearances in “The World’s End,” “Locke,” and “Paddington.” Her most substantial screen role was found in “Sightseers,” a wonderful dark comedy from director Ben Wheatley, who showed uncharacteristic focus and made the most of Lowe’s screen presence. Taking command of her professional future, Lowe makes her directorial debut with “Prevenge,” also scripting herself a prime role in a slasher film that’s more about the anxieties of motherhood than the piling of dead bodies. Crafted with wit, terrific performances, and some unexpected trips into the gore zone, “Prevenge” is striking work from Lowe, who not only understands the constant concerns that swirl around the journey of pregnancy, but she’s good with violence as well, keeping the feature suspenseful when it isn’t refreshingly insightful.
The AVC encoded image (2.39:1 aspect ratio) presentation does have trouble with artifacting, finding banding a common problem throughout the viewing experience. It's not overwhelming, but it's there, creeping into the backgrounds with regularity. Detail remains sharp throughout, doing well with close-ups, which pick up on evidence of age and fine hairs. Interiors deliver clear decoration as the action heads into living spaces and clubs, while an opening visit to a pet store exposes all sorts of scaly and furry appearances. Costuming is fibrous. Exteriors retain dimension as the film tours city streets and the open world. Colors carry a distinctly HD-shot appearance, with flatter hues in apartments and offices. Red blood is accentuated. Greenery looks strong, as does holiday makeup designs. Skintones are acceptable. Delineation is satisfactory.
The 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix provides a full frontal push of aural elements, delivering crisp dialogue exchanges with clear accents. Scoring efforts are distinct, supporting the film's move from stillness to horror, and soundtrack selections are heavy, offering big beats for dance music and sharp synth. Surrounds push out club visits and atmospherics, finding high winds and whipping water with cliffside events. Mild panning effects are employed. Sound effects are invitingly specific, with squirting wounds common.
There is no supplementary material on this release.
The murders are graphic, ranging from sliced throats to genital trauma, and they're sold inventively by Lowe and cinematographer Ryan Eddleston, who provides some visual style for a low-budget endeavor. Synth-based scoring also boosts the mood of the picture. However, the real firepower of "Prevenge" is found in Lowe's screenplay, which is wise about the challenges of pregnancy (Lowe was actually expecting during production), the fears of impending motherhood, and the horrors of personal loss. It's wrapped up tight in a darkly comic effort, delivering substantial laughs to go with all the philosophy and disorientation found in this exceptional film, which brings out the best in Lowe, who hopefully has more stories and nightmares to share as she embarks on what's aiming to be a triumphant directorial career.
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