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Reviews
The Descendant (2007)
Surprising, genuine, eerie... worth checking out!
I honestly did not know what to expect when I watched The Descendant; I'd seen the trailer many times, but nobody told me exactly what it was about. I'm glad I didn't know because the film kept me guessing until the end!
I must say I was fairly intrigued by the premise, especially knowing that the film revealed a 'hidden' part of Quebec's history. (I won't spoil it for you!) I was shocked by this revelation and it added a whole other dimension to my way of thinking about the past. The story demonstrates a thorough research of the topic and is backed by a solid art direction that gives it all its credibility. I must also add, from the point of view of someone who often visited family members in remote villages, that the attention to details in the props and set design is simply splendid. Through his writing and his directing, Philippe Spurrell managed to effectively convey the intricate feelings an outsider encounters in such towns.
Now on to the movie; this is a slow paced piece, but it never feels long. I wouldn't call it a horror film – which seems to be one of the reasons some viewers have a negative opinion of the film – so don't build your expectations that way. It does however have a few genuinely creepy moments that are very effective by taking many of the characteristics of rural Quebec and making them uncanny.
At first the story seemed predictable, but about 30 minutes in, it went in the opposite direction of what I was expecting. All the theories I had from the start were disproved and I did not guess where it was heading. I simply enjoyed the ride and let the ending surprise me.
It is a solid first film that clearly demonstrates the director's mastery of storytelling; every scene and detail adds a layer to the mystery and is there for a reason. The acting sometimes feels a bit stiff or off, but doesn't detract from the compelling whole. This is a character piece that offers a fresh new take on a classic story/sub-genre that has been drained to death. It is sure to surprise Quebecers, but can as easily be enjoyed by anyone. I strongly recommend it and I'll be looking forward to Philippe Spurrell's next project.