🎥
1989
Michael Haneke's first film
shocking self-destruction
inspired by a true story
"Not for everybody"
Jan 30, 2024
Related Recs
This Austrian thriller tells the story of a young wealthy family held hostage in a gated vacation community by two sadistic young men known only as “Peter & Paul” who invite them to engage in twisted games and force them to make a bet on whether or not they will survive the night.
Often breaking the fourth wall throughout the film a smirking Paul speaks directly the viewer forcing them to reflect on their own complicity as an observer of sadistic violence as entertainment.
The most interesting thing about the film, and what makes it unique is that its portrayal of violence is often implied & built up through tension. The actual act of violent aggression occurs just off screen.
We cannot see what is happening but are so immersed in the experience expecting what will come that we feel every minute of it.
It’s bleak and depressing and not an easy watch. It offers no hope but it is a masterful utilization of the horror genre to make a point in questioning the morality of the consumption of violence as entertainment through its presentation of pointless and senseless torture.
May 15, 2025
Dir. Michael Haneke
Spiritual prequel to The Zone of Interest (2023) in my opinion.
Apr 16, 2024
🛩
Unequivocally the most harrowing film I have ever seen and I cannot get it out of my head….
Deeply disturbing , anxiety inducing, compelling, stomach churning. Shot and written with effective precision, without overkill or gratuitous exploitation. Movies about the human will to survive are hard to do without being either corny or played out and this does follow a similar narrative arc but I really appreciated how it was told. I recommend watching the little docu about the making of the film. I love production. Unbelievable true story and really compelling film
Jan 28, 2024
