Review of Antichrist (2009) by Legitsalt — 28 May 2018

Boy, was this a strange watch. Starting off with a brutally excellent opening scene, objectively the best that I have seen. Upon a second and then a third viewing, I simply can't help but marvel at the reincorporation and emotion being handled and dished out simultaneously.

The following sequences are also quite good, and at times better, but do eventually fall off. Although it may not your typical horror film, it provides its own sort of horror, that causes uneasiness. Willem Dafoe continues with another great entry in his portfolio of film.

Von Trier's craftsmanship is very apparent throughout the majority of the piece, especially during wooded scenes. Our female lead is in an interesting position during this movie, portraying someone who believes herself to be an embodiment of Satan.

This causes several wincing body horror scenes, including self-mutilation, blood ejaculation, and leg drilling. She almost appears to play several characters throughout the film; a naive mother, a mourning mother, and at the same time a woman-hating being.

Even now, as I recall the flashbacks wherein she tortures her newborn, I audibly wince. Unfortunately, this movie is not flawless, and there are several ridiculous moments that caused me to laugh or smile.

One of these being the, often referred to shot, of the fox screeching the words 'Chaos Reigns'. This is also a brutally slow movie, starting with a sprint, then coming to a crawl. I can't help but appreciate and enjoy this film, and I think that others should too, but I understand that this is not a film for all.

If you think that you want to sit through this, please do try.