Review of Kissed (1996) by Eduardo C — 07 May 2007

For subject matter that is as potentially and easily exploitive as this (necrophilia) to be handled with such tact, subtlety, delicacy and respect is nothing short of a minor miracle.

Molly Parker delivers a brave performance as a young woman who has always felt a particular kinship with death. When she eventually, as a medical student, gets a job at a morgue it is not so much convenient as inevitable.

Yes, the film (or, come to think of it, Molly Parker's character) has a very romanticized notion of death and what she does, but the movie sells it. The film is not graphic, choosing instead to rely on words and the dreamy tone Parker's narration strikes to entice the audience. 'Nekromantic' this is not.

Many will be repulsed and just refuse to see it outright, but those who can handle it will be genuinely surprised.