Review of Starry Eyes (2014) by Captainhowdy — 11 May 2019

"Starry Eyes" is a surprisingly good slow-burn about ambition and what for some may be the true price of fame. Taking cues from films like Rosemary's Baby without imitating it too directly, the film exploits the psychological despair of failure well and balances it out with the body horror. I've watched it twice as of this review, and it stands up to repeat viewings.

Alexandra Essoe is fantastic in the lead role of Sarah, letting her sweetness and naivete transform into viciousness and aggression gradually. The fact that Essoe cites "Possession" as a main inspiration for her performance is hardly surprising. Most of the supporting cast do well also, with few really weak performances to speak of.

On the negative side, "Starry Eyes" could have done a little better in the third act. There is certainly body horror and gore, but in the process the film loses the critique of Hollywood culture it built its foundation on. Why Sarah ends up having to do what she eventually does is sort of understandable, but it's a little klunky in how it plays out.

Bottom line: Definitely worth a watch, especially for horror fans and aspiring actresses.