The Toybox is a superrealistic psycho-thriller that chillingly depicts how the effects of severe familial dysfunctionality combined with a possessive influence of the dark snaps the mind of a young impressionable man. The tale is told through stark counterpoints: Manipulative Jezebelian femininity couples with loveless male Ahabian tyranny and wimpishness. The holiness of Christmas and a village church is offset by dark machinations and violent murders. The sinister developments are suffused and lightened by comico-grotesque symbolism and events, almost hyperrealistic shots of nature's unadulterated beauty, as well as the redeeming sensitivity and pure good-naturedness of one of the characters. Evil is contained when the church and law-and-order come knocking on the door. Filters, lighting, camera movement sensitively enhance the moods. With incisive acuteness, the actors capture mankind in its highly grotesque and destructive moments.
A good first work showing that the makers have fine observation skills, as well as a plethora of film tricks up their sleeves that demand to be explored further. A must for those who love satire and the study of the dark and disturbing human behavior.
A good first work showing that the makers have fine observation skills, as well as a plethora of film tricks up their sleeves that demand to be explored further. A must for those who love satire and the study of the dark and disturbing human behavior.