Young American dancer
Susie Bannion arrives in 1970s Berlin to audition for the world-renowned Helena Markos
Dance Co. When she vaults to the role of lead dancer, the woman she replaces
breaks down and accuses the company's female directors of witchcraft.
Meanwhile, an inquisitive psychotherapist and a member of the troupe uncover
dark and sinister secrets as they probe the depths of the studio's hidden underground
chambers.
Director: Luca Guadagnino
Cast: Dakota Johnson,
Tilda Swinton, Mia Goth, Chloë Grace Moretz, Angela Winkler, Renée Soutendijk,
Ingrid Caven, Sylvie Testud
Rated R for horror
violence, disturbing images, language, drug use and brief graphic nudity
Genres: Fantasy, Horror,
Mystery
Runtime: 2h 32min
Review:
Remaking Suspiria was an
interesting choice and one that could have gone terribly wrong. The fact that a high end director like Luca
Guadagnino decided to undertake the task made the idea of a remake interesting
to say the least. Luca Guadagnino
decision to reimagine as oppose to simply remake it was a wise one. Fans of the original techincolor fever dream
may not enjoy this version for a variety of reasons. Guadagnino ditches the highly stylized
visuals and delivers a dense Polanski type horror film. It’s engaging and always interesting but it
feels overly complex and obsessed with itself at the same time. There are plenty of sequences that will leave
a lasting impression such as an early dance sequence which is beautiful, brutal
and vicious. Guadagnino talent as a
director is on full display but at times it does seem to lack forward
momentum. To say it’s a slow moving film
is a bit of an understatement, the film moves at a glacial pace and it feels
every bit of a it’s 2 and half hour run time.
It can be a detriment but there is so much to appreciate in terms of
craftsmanship that you can enjoy it multiple levels especially once the final
reveal uncorks an insane sequence.
B+
