Michael's Movie Grade: A+
Review: Fantastic blending of dark humor and suspense.
The characters in this film are far from sympathetic and it is obvious that they are never intended to be such. They are instead something much harder for filmmakers to pull off well. They are fascinating. We are never fully sure what they are going to do next and at the same time we can't wait to see what happens next either. This fascination comes both from Cory Finley's brilliant script and the fantastic performances of Oliva Cooke and Ana Taylor Joy. Oliva Cooke's performance is seeming effortless. The lack of emotion on her face at all times is one of the most gripping and suspenseful parts of this movie. You never know what is in her head, yet you always know she is plotting something. She gives a perfect performance in an unbelievable subtle way. Over the course of this movie director and writer Cory Finley perfectly uses her great performance to the best advantage. At times this character is funny in her deadpan expression, while at other times, she is unbelievably disturbing. Yet regardless of this she always feels real. Ana Taylor Joy brings a similar brilliance to her performance. She is an emotional young woman, yet she is trying to adopt her friend's actions. At times you can see her also be very deadpan, but there is still a bit of emotion you can detect in her that is unseen in her friend.
Beyond all this the movie is highly entertaining. It keeps you on the edge of your seat and disturbs you, but at the same time you spend much of the movie laughing. The film can turn from funny to disturbing almost instantly, yet this never feels forced. Instead the change of mood naturally comes out of the story. Finley also shows a true talent for never letting the audience know what is going to happen next and still believe each twist. The ending itself is funny disturbing and thought provoking all at the same time.
This movie is simply a must see for all movie buffs. It is a wild ride that is completely irresistible.
-Michael J. Ruhland
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