Review of Big Bad Wolves (2013) by Michael M — 26 May 2014

I have to give this film points for doing so much with very little. Perhaps that's the wrong description, I just find that the film has a confidence about it and a restraint that really makes it much better than most films of this ilk.

There's no hurry to get to the torture and violence. Because of that, some may not enjoy the film as much as they should, that pacing can definitely test someone's patience. I think the film counterbalances this deliberate pacing with a pitch black sense of humor, which helps make what would've been a very dark and disturbing film easier to swallow.

For example, seeing Gidin, the man who orchestrated the kidnapping and torture of his daughter's suspected murderer, arguing with his overprotective mother about her wanting to come take care of him because he is sick is very funny.

Particularly considering how Gidin is portrayed as this cold, maniacal man. That definitely makes the film easier to watch. And that's not the only example of the film's comedic prowess, it's just one of the more memorable ones.

The film is beautifully shot, this was a film clearly shot by people who know what they're doing and who have a sense of how to build tension and anticipation to the horrible events that are about to happen.

Beautiful cinematography to boot. Aharon Keshales and Navot Papushado are filmmakers to look out for in the future. It'll be interesting to see if they can transition from something to something more experimental, because there are art-house influences in the way the film is shot and how it is presented.

The film score is also top-notch to boot. Now that I think about it, there's very little about the film that I didn't like, so I should upgrade the score from 3.5 to 4 stars. Does it really matter in the long run? I doubt it, but this film really was quite the top-notch thriller with an excellent sense of humor.

It's certainly more of an acquired taste, particularly if you want a quicker pace, but this is certainly a very rewarding and intelligent thriller that entertains you, but also makes you think. Four stars it is.