Review of Nothing Bad Can Happen (2013) by Jacob Z — 24 Oct 2014

( NOTE: Though some have compared this to MARTYRS, have no fear, this not as explicit nor is it torture porn.) It's essentially The Passion of Tore, a naive teenager who suffers frequent seizures, which he believes are moments from God.

One such episode captures the eye of Benno while at a christian rock concert, as part of a group called the Jesus Freaks. Benno quickly takes Tore under his wing after the Jesus Freaks move on with their tour.

Initially civil, Benno begins to show true evil as he begins to subject Tore to savage abuse, rape at the hands of others, and other savage torture. But Tore, strong in his faith with his God, refuses to fight back and continues to turn his cheek, even though there appears to be no God watching over him.

This is naturally a tough film to endure and an even harder one to swallow. It's at once infuriating and fascinating. Fascinating because first-time director Gebbe is a striking talent over the proceedings.

It is certainly a technical masterpiece from the ending, camera work, and haunting score. She also never falls over into exploitation, and while the abuse, sexual or otherwise, is hard to view, she doesn't linger or seem to get some kind of sick joy out of it.

Nothing Bad Can Happen may be a tad vague in what it is trying to accomplish, but it's certainly worth watching and you'll certainly not forget it. Sweet Tore's face will stick with you. Bad can certainly happen.

(Not Rated- contains strong violent content including sexual abuse and torture, disturbing images, and language.).