The Aussie's deliver a new torture porn classic!
Let me start off by saying that I freaking love the horror films coming out of Australia. First there was the nail-biting Wolf Creek and here comes this gem (that like the aforementioned flick) does not shy away from the violence. In fact, it seems to revel in making us squirm and I love it because of this fact. Horror should not be toned down, you are supposed to feel uncomfortable and I really did while watching this film. PG-13 horror films cannot disturb you this badly. I'm sorry, they just can't. So, onto the review.
We are introduced to Brent (played brilliantly by Xavier Samuel) and his father on a typical day, just driving around. An accident occurs and we learn later that it's results in Brent's dad dying. We also are led to believe that he thinks his mom blames him for this, and as such tries to escape his pain by cutting and doing recreational drugs. He is approached in the hall by a truly faceless figure of a girl Lola (played with wicked zeal by Robin McLeavy) , that innocently and shyly asks him to go to the prom with her. His rejection is shown vividly on her face. We can tell she is crushed that he is going with someone else, and feel somewhat sorry for her. His buddy Jamie (Richard Wilson), in the meantime is trying to get one of the schools goth chicks to go with him. Brent's love is Holly and we see that they are in love, or at least lust. Brent has a fight with his mom, and goes off to be alone...and gets hit over the head. He wakes up to what will be one nightmare of a night at Lola and her father's behest.
There is a lot of creepy stuff going on here. First off, we are given some indication that Lola's father may be having an incestuous relationship with her. Or it could be, that her rejections by suitors have driven her "literally" to the only man that really loves her...her father. I'm also pretty sure this plays into "The Loved Ones" title...as she sure does love her father and he loves her...enough to commit near murder. And what of her father...he is the portrait of the most overprotective of fathers. He would do anything for his little girl, anything to not see her unhappy. At times this is darkly comic and others just plain uncomfortable to watch. Obviously though, she has learned a lot from dear old dad (played with aplomb by John Brumpton) . I mean, he's even figured out how to keep a woman around the house. I would say it's very much against her will, and perhaps he did it just a little too much, but she's still there. Also, we are given a very uncomfortable father/daughter lesson in the proper use of power tools.
There is a side story juxtaposed to all of this sadistic action, as we see Jamie and his rather uncomfortable night with his date. She really doesn't want to be there, but goes along anyway. The picture taking scene before he leaves from her house, clearly indicates that she just doesn't want to be a part of anything social...and indeed...much like Lola, just doesn't fit in. It's kind of funny watching Jamie try to figure out just what he is supposed to be doing...and cutting to their scenes lightens the film up quite a bit. It might have been overly depressing otherwise.
I guess the closest thing I can compare this film too, is a teenaged version of Hostel. We see Brent get tortured in various ways by Lola. She is going to have her prom, her way, and daddy is there to make sure everything goes just the way she wants it. There are some darkly comic bits going on here, that again do lighten up the mood...this film could have been just an incredibly dark and depressing experience. Brent's mom and his girlfriend Holly (played by Victoria Thaine), show us with some great acting chops, how much they care about Brent and want him found. And, we are indeed rooting for Brent to get out of this mess. We feel badly for him and are upset with every failed escape attempt. He really doesn't deserve this, he just told Lola, he was going with his girlfriend.
Music I think is put to great affect here. We have basically a pop, punk, at times metal soundtrack that reflects the different moods the movie is currently taking. In Particular the song "Am I Not Pretty Enough" by Kasey Chambers, is used as Lola's theme music. Indeed, we hear her singing it sadistically to give herself strength to finish what she started. The cinematography is also great, with the disco ball infused kitchen playing as Lola's seductive and deadly dance floor. Overall, it's just brilliantly shot throughout.
With it's darkly comic stylings, brutal scenes of torture, and the display of grief from Brent's mom and girlfriend...the Loved Ones is a movie I indeed LOVED. This is by far the best film I have watched during this blog. At times it reminded me of Wolf Creek smashed up with a John Hughes film...now that's something to behold. Check it out if you can stomach the scenes of torture.
9 out of 10
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