Review of Angel Heart (1987) by Stefan G — 31 May 2015

Angel Heart is one of those films that sounds promising and manages to deliver. The film opens like one of those film noir mystery films, and progressively transcends into a rare breed of occult thriller, culminating in a fittingly diabolical mindscrew.

In this regard, the narrative is constructed quite well, even though there are parts to which I think the writers owe more of an explanation. The performances are done very well, to a point that they lend the film a certain kind of edge, along with a sense of humour.

I haven't seen a lot of film noir movies, but I imagine that this is similar to what they might sound like, and the film's atmosphere works on so many levels. Of course, this film specializes in effective plot twists, although these plot twists make for quite a convoluted narrative.

You'll be very surprised when you find out what's going on at the end of the film, and I guarantee that by the time you reach the end of this dark, stylish mystery, it'll make you wonder about how the plot makes any sense.

However, it's the mystery that makes this film so enjoyable, and this is a very engaging thriller capable of providing an entertaining, if sometimes messed up experience with its own rewards.