Sunday, December 22, 2013

An Open Grave But A Hidden Story: A Movie Review

Director: Gonzalo López-Gallego.

Writers: Chris Borey and Eddie Borey.

Cast: Sharlto Copley, Joseph Morgan, Thomas Kretschmann, Erin Richards and Josie Ho.

Open Grave is a Hungarian shot horror feature, from director Gonzalo Lopez-Gallego. Lopez-Gallego is notoriously known for his work on the abysmal found footage film Apollo 18. Lopez-Gallego's work and shooting on Open Grave is much better. However, the story for this feature, which is more mystery than horror, does not unpack some of its major plotpoints very well. Therefore, the ending is a little drawn out and unsatisfying. Writers and brothers Chris and Eddie Borey needed a little more tension and action in their script. Still, Open Grave creates some compelling intrigue through the first two acts.

It would be a waste and disservice to readers to reveal the film's story, in its entirety. So, the story for Open Grave will be discussed in general terms. Basically, six characters wake up with amnesia and they must work together and apart to piece their identities back together. Bodies near a remote home add a horror element. But, Open Grave is more of a mystery and its plot should remain so.

The mystery in the film revolves around the characters. Who are they? How are they related? And, what were they working on? The answers to these questions come very late in the picture. Though, viewers might find a few clues along the way. Videotapes and notes reveal some of the events in the home, but plot point explanations are few and far between. And, viewers will not find enough evidence to put the entire picture together on their own. This style of storytelling is intriguing initially, but this narrative style grows frustrating over time. The final denouement is delivered over the course of a minute, which is slightly unsatisfying. Sometimes, it is okay to pull the curtain back a little earlier.

Open Grave is a slow film; there are pacing issues, which could have been corrected with a few more action elements. There are several scenes of characters saying "I remember," followed by a flashback. These scenes become slightly repetitive over time. Meanwhile, the tension in the film dissipates with the focus on not remembering. There is an infection at the core of the film. Yet, the infected are only introduced in a few scenes. More thrills could have been included with more chase sequences and minor skirmishes. Still, Open Grave creates a suitable horror mood most of the time and there is a sense of foreboding in early scenes.

Open Grave is a compelling film through early acts. Director López-Gallego shoots the film well. There are point-of-view shots shown in flashbacks. As well, the director moves the camera haphazardly and with a blur when a character is experiencing confusion. His shooting style amplifies the emotions onscreen. The story will draw most viewers in, but will it hold one's attention? For reasons mentioned above, the story reveals could have come earlier. More revelations needed to come over time, instead of all at once and with a few lines of dialogue. Open Grave has some slow points and minor pacing issues, which could have been filled with deeper characterizations, or character reveals. Overall, Open Grave is an interesting feature, with a couple of surprises.

This title will release through home video formats, shortly (December 24th, 2013) and fans of mystery will want to take a look. There are horror elements here too, but they are not the focus of the film. Instead, the focus here is on holding the film's mystery, rather than revealing plot points to the viewer. This narrative style creates for a few pacing issues and the film's climax needed more conflict. In the end, Open Grave is a mostly good time spent crawling over bodies in a strange and slightly confusing setting.

Overall: 7 out of 10 (lots of diverging characters, they are scattered all over the film, a surprise reveal or two, the conclusion is too quick).

Clips for the film are available here:

Open Grave Clips at 28DLA


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