Review of Brimstone (2016) by Christos S — 20 May 2017

This is a disturbing film to watch, of that there is no doubt. It was like a nightmare that I could not turn off even though a few times I wanted to. There is an overwhelming theme of hopelessness and dread throughout from the point of view of the protagonist.

The jumps in time are used effectively to make some sense out of what at first is completely unexplainable. The themes in the story strike intelligently at times at a high level and certainly got my mind pondering philosophically for hours afterwards.

I was particularly impressed by this aspect of the film. The first act in particular generated a great deal of anger in me, in fact I don't recall the last time I was so enraged at a fictional character on screen.

That said, Pearce's character is effective and particularly well acted and written as one of the most realistic and diabolical on-screen psychopaths perhaps since Hannibal Lecter. The deplorable treatment of women in this period piece I believe effectively generates sympathy towards women's rights causes.

This works in a similar fashion to how Unforgiven coveys a strong anti-violence message. This film also effectively pans the underpinnings of Christian fundamentalism by showing the extremes it can get to.

Dakota Fanning's performance was solid by generating endearment of her character in an undeniably tough role. The film is worth viewing if you are into intellectual stimulation, emotional stimulation (anger and dread in particular,) period pieces that immerse you in an alternate reality.

If amusement and pure entertainment with a neat happy ending are your thing, then this is not worth seeing.