Review of Spring (2014) by Martin C — 31 Mar 2015

An emotionally resonant tale that straddles a few different genre lines. Above all else, SPRING is a character study; yes, there are some big (and pretty cool) horror elements, but the focus is firmly on the central relationship between the two leads, both of whom are written very well.

Admittedly, some of the side characters in the first act are on the broad side, which clashes somewhat with the soulful, thoughtful, and honest characterization of the leads. The film looks terrific, at times even like an art film in some of its beautiful imagery, and the Italian setting adds an extra bit of "old world" flavor, which actually proves to be vital to the movie's subtext (in addition to providing some great scenery).

There's an elegiac, almost wistful tone to the whole thing - even at its darkest - that is refreshing; it's rare to see a genre film tackled with this kind of grace and restraint. I hesitate to even approach the subject of the horror elements, as they are best discovered cold, but suffice it to say the supernatural goings-on offer up a fresh mythology and provide both visceral "yuck!" moments, as well as some effective black humor.

Pucci and Hilker do some very fine, naturalistic work as the main characters, and their relationship - even setting aside the neat horror stuff - is what really makes the movie click. Though SPRING is not perfect, ultimately I was pretty moved by it.