Review of Lost Souls (2000) by Cillian F — 07 Mar 2009

Winona Ryder plays a young woman with a past who is caught up in the apocalyptic race to prevent the AntiChrist being born and taking over the world. Comparisons with "The Omen" are inevitable, perhaps even with "Rosemary's Baby", yet, just as the emphatic opening exorcism scene in no way apes the style or content of "The Exorcist", so "Lost Souls" creates its own dynamic, style, and narrative individuality. It is a sophisticated and enjoyable film which makes full use of Ryder's ambiguous vulnerability and assertiveness - she is an outcast delinquent who has found some form of rebirth as an intelligent, articulate, driven young woman, frantically striving to convince the intellectual sceptic who investigates, exposes, and explains claims of demonic possession by serial killers.

At heart, the film is about scepticism - how do we become convinced that good or evil exist, how do we become the creatures of our own convictions?

The film moves at a steady pace, if a bit predictable at times, and is largely driven by the quality of its performers. They are convincing when, at times, the plot isn't. Though it has excellent moments, overall, it flatters to deceive: this is a film which has real potential but just falls short. Overall, a good film to watch, and fans of Winona Ryder will not be disappointed - she is excellent.