Review of Heavenly Creatures (1994) by Ricardo O — 13 May 2010

Incredible film! Heavenly Creatures was the breakthrough film for New Zealand director Peter Jackson, who prior to this film was known for making gory low budget horror films such as Bad Taste and Brain Dead.

Along with it being his breakthrough, it is also the screen debut of Kate Winslet and the equally talented Melanie Lynskey. Both are equally mesmerizing although it was Kate Winslet that inevitably got the most attention.

The supporting cast is also very good especially Sarah Peirse who plays Melanie Lynskey's character's mom. Peter Jackson directs his cast with great skill and shows that he had a knack for directing well before he would make the Lord Of the Rings trilogy.

The interweaving of the fantasy world of the two protagonists and the real world they live in is seamlessly done. The writing is fantastic and even got the attention of the Academy earning an Oscar nomination for it.

The narration very much reminds me of the cult classic black comedy Heathers and the camerawork is reminiscent of Sam Raimi's Evil Dead series. Heavenly Creatures is a compelling and disturbing film about two teenage girls whose friendship becomes a fatal obsession.

Hard to believe that this is actually a true story. It is a film that grabs you and never lets go. Brilliant piece of film. Highly recommended! 10/10.