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I attended the International Premiere of "The Loved Ones" at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival. In two words, the film is an instant classic. Sam Raimi step aside! This Australian "Carrie"-meets-"Misery" flick is perfectly executed in the hands of first-time feature director Sean Byrne. Star Xavier Samuel, as the sullen Brent, is simply mindboggling. He will eclipse many young actors in this awesome performance. He pulls off a stunning, agonizingly horrific portrayal of a teen forced to suffer at the hands of classmate Lola (Robin McLeavy), the jilted would-be prom queen.The small cast boasts standout performances from Victoria Thaine as Brent's "real" girlfriend Holly and Jessica McNamee as Mia. As Lola's father Eric, John Brumpton is the creepiest villain this side of Michael Myers. "The Loved Ones" is not for the faint of heart. Visuals are shockingly realistic and beyond compare. Robert Webb's production design is a character unto itself. Bright colors and cheery music are a perfect counterpoint to the horrific action taking place in the claustrophobic setting. Byrne's team fires on all cylinders, crafting a modern horror story that has cult classic written all over it, in blood.Most of all, though, this is a tour de force for the young Samuel. It's too bad they don't have Oscars for "Best at Pain Endurance." His performance in "The Loved Ones" gives new meaning to the term "tortured actor."
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