DEADGIRL now out on DVD, review and info

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DEADGIRL

Review by Mark Walters

Every now and then a movie comes along that shows you something truly unique, and captivates you as a viewer... for better or worse. DEADGIRL is a movie that is as hard to describe as it is to dissect. On the surface you could call it a "horror" film, perhaps one that fits into a particular horror category, though there's so much more going on with this picture. It is disturbing, and yet utterly fascinating, and I have to believe it's going to be a cult classic.

The story follows two high school buddies, Rickie (Shiloh Fernandez) and J.T. (Noah Segan), who skip school one day to goof around in an old insane asylum. While there they make a startling discovery, a naked woman chained to a table in the basement with a plastic bag on her head - still alive. After spending some time with her, they also learn this girl (who is hauntingly attractive) apparently cannot die, as she survives being shot multiple times by J.T. (you just have to see it to understand). Rickie decides he wants to free the woman, but J.T. wants to keep her as a sex toy, even allowing one of their friends Wheeler (Eric Podnar) to take a ride. While this is going on, Rickie is dealing with his infatuation over a schoolgirl named Joann (Candice Acciola), which doesn't sit well with her jock boyfriend JOhnny (Andrew DiPalma). Needless to say all of these events go from bad to worse, and DEADGIRL turns into a rather uncomfortable psychological journey into darkness, and one you simply can't look away from.

I was extremely impressed with this film, though it took me a while to figure that out. At first I couldn't decide if I liked it or not, I mean after all, DEADGIRL is certainly not a pleasant film by any stretch, but it kept me fixated the entire time. Despite being disturbed and horrified by what I was seeing, I was entralled with the story and performances, and had to see where all of this was going. The movie is an exercise in human behavior, analyzing people for their good and bad actions, and showing how those actions affect those around them and themselves. Several of the key players deliver highly effective performances, particularly Fernandez and Segan, who show the rational and irrational side of hummanity. There is such sincerity in their portrayals, you genuinely feel their emotions invested toward this frightening ordeal. Even some of the supporting performances (such as Andrew DiPalma as Johnny the jock) are knocked out of the park, and especially impressive considering how forgettable the side characters could have been. But perhaps the highest accolades must go to Jenny Spain as the chained woman, as her role is the lynch pin of the entire film, and one that could easily make or break the audience perception of this experience. Spain, through body language and facial expression, turns in an amazing performance that has to be acknowledged, and becomes a silent character that we find ourselves invested in most of all.

Trent Haaga has written a script that is both shocking and upsetting, while also being riveting and engaging. At times I was repulsed by what was taking place, but I just couldn't turn away, and that in my mind is the mark of a good script. The film is co-directed by Marcel Sarmiento and Gadi Harel, who subtly build tension and mood at a respectable pace, and never go over the top with the look of their presentation. Horror films these days, especially independent ones, are very hit or miss... and let's face it, usually more miss. DEADGIRL doesn't disappoint. It's emotionally and pscholgically disturbing, and it left a big impression on me. But most importantly, it is a frightening piece of cinema, and it really needs to be seen to be understood. I will warn you that it's not a film everyone will or can enjoy, but horror fans should definitely check it out, and spread the word. This is one of those movies that will be talked about for many years to come, and deservedly so.

Features:
Cast And Crew Commentary With Stars, Directors, Writer And More
Deleted Scenes
Behind The Scenes/Making Of
Make-Up Gallery
Reversible Art

To purchase DEADGIRL on DVD click the link below
amazon.com/gp/product/B002EOVXBK?ie=UTF8&tag=bigfanboycom-20

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