Review of The Silence of the Lambs (1991) by Radioreviews — 27 Apr 2020

As a horror film buff, I can honestly tell you that I didn't realize at the time how amazing this movie would be. I've seen this movie multiple times and I can confidently say it's in my top 3 of all-time best films.

With a slow build and subtle foreshadowing, this psychological thriller will be on your mind even weeks after you've seen it. The two main characters of the story have a dynamic that I've never seen in other movies like this before, I'd sometimes forget I was watching a movie because their chemistry on screen was unmatched.

A story of a young detective trying to earn her place on the force takes on the task of hunting down a serial killer named "Buffalo Bill" who skins women alive. To find more clues she speaks with the famed serial killer Hannibal "the cannibal" Lector, a former psychiatrist who helps her break down the clues of the case.

The hunting down of Buffalo Bill is merely a side plot while Hannibal is the true star of the film as we see his intelligence and confusing charisma show itself through different scenarios of the movie.

The shuttle foreshadowing of Clarice (the detectives) childhood past on a farm impacting her relationship with Hannibal gives us an unspoken story of her true personality and motivations, while Hannibal plays with her thoughts to not only help her with the case but to amuse himself in the process.

The film itself lacks action and the blood and guts of traditional horror flicks but the slow build-up pays off at the end. A movie that leaves no stone unturned is perfect for those who love to analyze and be surprised.

The perfect comparison for this movie would be a puzzle, while very few people find thrill in putting a puzzle together, the pride you feel in completion is worth the effort. The film is boring and drawn out at times but the payoff is the cherry on top.

Every film buff and horror lover needs to see this film at least once in their life so they can experience this artful journey.