Review of Calvaire (2005) by Jonathan B — 23 Mar 2012
Basically, it is just another grim and nasty horror movie for the post-Deliverance 'inbred horror' genre. Which is not a bad thing as long as the film is done well. In this case, I think it mostly is.
Similar in tone to The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (containing what looks like a sequence ripped right from it), Calvaire manages to create a unique and surprising set of 'villains' that are unpredictable and strangely believable. The first time we see the 'villagers' being 'odd' is quite a disturbingly fun little insight that's beautifully disgusting. Lead actor Marc Stevens gets to do what all the leads in these movies do, act confused - scared - in pain - finish it off in anger. Marc Stevens does a good job of acting genuine, low key and really helps the audience wince for him. The cinematography works beautifully with the tone of the film. Very rough and grainy, much like the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre. The use of having a long build up then hitting the audience with horror half an hour before the end works very well.
For what it is it's very good.
This review of Calvaire (2005) was written by Jonathan B on 23 Mar 2012.
Calvaire has generally received mixed reviews.
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