Steven Sheil
Mum & Dad

When they say coincidences...

Sometimes I like to play the devil's advocate, so it was that just two days ago I had to criticize the much-praised "Funny Games U.S.," of which the site features my slight commentary. But the absurdity is that just yesterday I happened to see a film (not yet arrived in Italy) titled "Mum & Dad," by the debut director Steven Sheil.

I am writing about it in advance because I don't know if this film will ever reach Italy. Absolutely sickening, the English film tells the story of a girl of Romanian origin who has the misfortune to miss the bus and is forced to spend the night at the home of her "friend" plus parents and brother. The plot development is very straightforward and predictable; recounting it would diminish the visionary power of the film. However, it can be said that the film, while reminiscent of types like "Hostel," "Saw," "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre," and especially "Funny Games" in a reversed version, is chilling in its counterpoint choice of absolutely ferocious scenes and placid family vignettes, in the suburban setting (Heathrow district of London) and in the use of a cold photography, enclosed in frightening terror scenographies.

But what is most surprising about this acclaimed debut by the English director is the quality of each actor's performance. From the very talented Olga Fedori to the unsettling Perry Benson in the role of the father. Each character has a rich psychological characterization that allows the viewer to emotionally engage in Lena's (mis)adventures and root for her.

Absolutely far from any American "glamor," the film surprises in its serene ability to suck the viewer into a vortex of gory morbid fascination.

Another splendid horror film from the land of the Bretons after Neil Marshall's "The Descent." Worth seeking out and watching.