Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Michael Allen
Writers: Kjersti Helen Rasmussen and Pål Øie.
Cast: Anders Baasmo Christiansen, Baard Owe, Mads Sjøgård Pettersen and Ellen Dorrit Petersen.
Norway continues to develop a frightening horror scene. From the Fritt Vilt slasher series to Død snø (2009), this cold country has lots of scary tales to tell. The latest is titled Villmark 2. Shot twelve years after the first film, this time a crew of workers are tasked with identifying toxic materials in an ancient asylum. Very reminiscent of Session 9 (2001) and definitely an homage, Villmark 2 is very slow in its build up of tension. However, into the third act, events take a brutal turn as the film's World War II mythology comes to the forefront. Sound design and production values are high. But, Villmark 2 fails to find its own original story and direction, which makes a viewing of this film very predictable and slightly unexciting.
The synopsis from Villmark 2 could be lifted directly from Brad Anderson's Session 9. A team of asbestos removal workers drop into an aging sanatorium. Once there, they begin to explore the building's 300 rooms. Falling apart, this ancient hospital has its secrets and villainous denizens. After awhile, the work is forgotten in favour of survival. Meanwhile, an ancient caretaker has a mystery that must be uncovered. Some people are not who they initially appear to be.
Both Villmark (2003) and Villmark 2 have an intriguing mythology. The two films are influenced by World War II. From this viewer's perspective, a German pilot has crashed near the asylum. This pilot continues to haunt the halls, here. He takes part in illicit experiments and surgeries, leaving one patient's pupils scarred forever. This deformed patient leads the conflict into the second half of the film. It appears that World War II is still being fought in the hearts and minds of some Norwegian writers and filmmakers.
Villmark 2 is very similar to another horror title - Session 9. From one source, Villmark 2 is an homage to this earlier, 2001 film. Though, the writers from Session 9 have not been credited. Having re-watched Session 9 earlier this year, this reviewer noticed several connections between the two films in plot, characters, settings and conflicts. The central plot, an asbestos work crew interrupted by malevolence, is identical across two films. Though, the earlier film used a more internal source of conflict - madness; this plot device is not used in this 2015 film. Both films take place in an asylum. This setting hosts a number of secrets. Even the conflict, across both films, is almost identical. Mental patients are still roaming the halls of the asylum. But, in one film the villains are supernatural in nature, while in the second they are more physical. Still, Villmark 2 is an almost identical retelling of Session 9.
There are a number of film elements here that are well produced; on the flip side, the story suffers from its repetition. From sound design to the film's soundtrack, the audio elements are all excellent. Villmark 2 sounds like a horror movie as thunder booms just off screen. Characters make scraping sounds in the basement and the soundtrack does create some tension. As well, director Pål Øie utilizes a number of compelling shooting techniques to keep the visual frame interesting. The director uses helicopter and underwater shots to offer a brief pause from all of the bloodshed. However, the writers have missed an opportunity here. They have not stepped away from horror cliches of the past. Instead, they have just offered an average slasher film, here. Surprises are missing in this sequel and that is a shame.
Villmark 2 has already released in Norway (Oct. '15). Epic Pictures will sell the film to other territories, so more horror fans can see the film. But, Villmark 2 is very unoriginal in story. While film production elements are all mostly well done, the film lacks one important horror element - fear. There are few thrills to be found in the asylum's basement. Only the final act offers any great scenes and scenarios. The earlier acts move by at a snail's pace, with conflict far off in the distance. This critic prefers an original story and that was not delivered here. Horror fans can watch this film via another, Session 9. This earlier film offers a stronger psychological element, which is not to be missed.
Overall: 6.75 out of 10.
*the film's English title is Dark Woods 2.
A trailer for the film is available here:
A Villmark 2 Trailer on 28DLA
Recommended release: A Villmark 2 Trailer on 28DLA
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Posted in: 2015,foreign,horror,movie,movie review,norway,norway slasher horror movie review,review,slasher,story,synopsis
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