I dug it. Yes, it is a slower pace by conventional standards, but I was never bored. I have no problem with, and often times enjoy "slow burn" horror films. If I can connect to a character and the tone suits the pace (which I feel this movie accomplished) I can be patient and remain engaged. It's also possible that I am biased towards Maika Monroe, exclusively because of my love of "It Follows."
On a technical level, I have no complaints. The photography and acting were solid. The sense of isolation amongst humanity, obviously driven by a language barrier/fish-out-of water aspect was effective and it accelerated my connection to the protagonist. What would you do alone in an apartment, in an unfamiliar country where you don't speak the language, and the unidentified person across the alley is staring at you every night?
What I thoroughly enjoyed about the movie is the potential for subtext. It made me consider what it would be like to be misunderstood and thought of as delusional; hysterical and foolish. I have zero clue if the filmmaker had intentions to convey a deeper meaning than, "how can I make a 'Hitchcockian thriller?'". And I love that. I love contemporary horror that can elicit thoughts of themes and messages, rather than hit me in the face with blatant, directed symbolism and commentary.
7/10.
On a technical level, I have no complaints. The photography and acting were solid. The sense of isolation amongst humanity, obviously driven by a language barrier/fish-out-of water aspect was effective and it accelerated my connection to the protagonist. What would you do alone in an apartment, in an unfamiliar country where you don't speak the language, and the unidentified person across the alley is staring at you every night?
What I thoroughly enjoyed about the movie is the potential for subtext. It made me consider what it would be like to be misunderstood and thought of as delusional; hysterical and foolish. I have zero clue if the filmmaker had intentions to convey a deeper meaning than, "how can I make a 'Hitchcockian thriller?'". And I love that. I love contemporary horror that can elicit thoughts of themes and messages, rather than hit me in the face with blatant, directed symbolism and commentary.
7/10.