Lovely Molly has got to be one of the most disturbing psychological horror films ever made, on a par with Polanski's finest, like the Tenant and Repulsion.
It's effective because it's completely plausible: it doesn't rely on cardboard bogeymen or elaborate SFX to make it's point. It merely focuses on the after-effects of emotional and physical abuse as they turn an emotionally healthy, recovering addict (Gretchen Lodge) into a raving, violent, hallucination-seeing junkie who's a threat to everyone around her, including herself.
Many have said this, it's impossible to understate the brilliance of Gretchen Lodge in the title role. Actually, ALL the actors are great (Alexandra Holden and Johnny Lewis are sympathetic and believable), and Sanchez directs them all with a very easy naturalistic, almost documentary feel. Many of the techniques (showing, not telling) that he had on display in Blair Witch are here, but they almost work even better when played to only one actress, with a limitless range for playing emotion.
Yes, it's depressing and a bit hopeless to watch, but...that's truly the real horror most of us dread the most, each day.
It's effective because it's completely plausible: it doesn't rely on cardboard bogeymen or elaborate SFX to make it's point. It merely focuses on the after-effects of emotional and physical abuse as they turn an emotionally healthy, recovering addict (Gretchen Lodge) into a raving, violent, hallucination-seeing junkie who's a threat to everyone around her, including herself.
Many have said this, it's impossible to understate the brilliance of Gretchen Lodge in the title role. Actually, ALL the actors are great (Alexandra Holden and Johnny Lewis are sympathetic and believable), and Sanchez directs them all with a very easy naturalistic, almost documentary feel. Many of the techniques (showing, not telling) that he had on display in Blair Witch are here, but they almost work even better when played to only one actress, with a limitless range for playing emotion.
Yes, it's depressing and a bit hopeless to watch, but...that's truly the real horror most of us dread the most, each day.