The Perfection (2019) Horror Movie Review
Written By: Grave Reviews Staff
Rating = 3/5 Graves
***May contain some spoilers***
Synopsis
The Perfection released to Netflix on May 24, 2019 is a psychological thriller directed by Richard Shepard that stars two women involved in the music world who befriend one another. Lizzie, played by Logan Browning (Bratz), is a current renowned cello player, and Charlotte, played by Allison Williams (Girls), who is a former cello player, encounter each other in Hong Kong and form a bond while they are both judging a cello competition. From the start, Charlotte and Lizzie develop a close relationship with each other. When Lizzie and Charlotte embark on a road trip, Lizzie becomes deathly sick along the way. What appears to be an infection may turn out to be something else. As the story unfolds, so does the dark secrets surrounding Lizzie and Charlotte.
Gore Factor
Although classified as a horror film, The Perfection, in our opinion, is better classified as a suspense/thriller. However, The Perfection does revel in scenes of grotesque imagery. The most grotesque scene that appeared to affect audiences was when Lizzie vomited maggots. Throughout the film, Lizzie is under the impression that there is an infestation of maggots in her body which causes her to go crazy. There are other scenes involving the dismemberment of various body parts. However, there was nothing particularly shocking that horror fans have not seen before.
The Grave Review
The plot, although interesting, seemed a little rushed. There was a big gap in time between Charlotte’s childhood and adulthood. The film also hints that Charlotte may have ran away from the music conservatory she studied at. As such, I would have liked to have known more about Charlotte and Lizzie’s past.
Both Williams and Browning made excellent performances. Browning’s portrayal of Lizzie and her gradual process of going insane added tremendously to the film and its impact. In addition, Williams also portrays a very reserved, fragile, woman that fits into her character flawlessly adding another element to the film.
A Gradual Process of going Insane
What is interesting about The Perfection is you learn that during Charlotte and Lizzie’s training as cello players, they were mentally, physically and sexually abused for years. As a result, when they encounter each other, there is an instant level of comfort that turns into a sexual relationship. One interpretation of this circumstance could be that both women, having very dark and disturbing pasts, feel that being with another woman is a safer option and they are tired of abuse from men because that’s all they were accustomed to. Another reason could be because they have a similar history which also adds to their comfort with one another. That being said, these are only some ways one could interpret the meaning behind these circumstances.
The story and gore aspects of the film lacked in the above-mentioned areas. However, the performance and plot were interesting nevertheless.
For the foregoing reasons, Grave Reviews gives The Perfection (2019) three graves out of five graves.
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