BRUTAL

I was intrigued by the trailer for the Hollywood remake and knew they’d water it down so I tracked down the Danish original, and I’m glad I did.

It’s brilliantly made and unnerving right from the off. I love how everything seemed fine but menacing music would start playing over the interactions. I find cringe comedy painful. This was that, times ten, minus the comedy - it was excruciating and only became worse and worse.

(Spoilers ahead)

I had no idea this was one of those fucked up European ‘horrors’ like Funny Games that crosses into savage darkness. This isn’t fun rollercoaster horror, it’s pitch black cinema that makes you want to slit your wrists, set yourself on fire and jump out of the window.

I say ‘horror’ because it’s not ultimately a genre film, it’s really an art film satirising social niceties that kicks you in the nuts, hard.

It’s not quite as sadistically punishing as Funny Games, but the ending is not far off. I really don’t need to see a sweet child get her tongue cut out in front of her helpless parents, who are then humiliated, stripped bare and stoned to death.

Much like a Lars Von Trier film, you’re genuinely concerned for the mental health of the filmmaker as credits roll.

Fuck me.