I haven't read all the reviews here, but I'm surprised (staggered even) that nobody has noticed the very obvious homage to Dario Argento (notably the three mothers trilogy) A town cursed by a witch - the spell being broken by the protagonist in the final reel. The inclusion of Barbara Steele is the obvious nod to Italian horror, but also the musical cue that's straight out of Suspiria which plays intermittently.
I'll admit it - for a fair old while I was thinking "Hold on, this is nothing like the plot description that piqued my initial interest." Then the film unfolds, and I'll admit at one point (around two thirds in) I was bewildered as to where the film might go - so much so that I thought it couldn't possibly tie it all up neatly.
But it does.
Go watch Argento at his finest and you have what amounts to a superbly surreal updating of the same themes.
A fine, fine, movie - and obvious labour of love.
I'll admit it - for a fair old while I was thinking "Hold on, this is nothing like the plot description that piqued my initial interest." Then the film unfolds, and I'll admit at one point (around two thirds in) I was bewildered as to where the film might go - so much so that I thought it couldn't possibly tie it all up neatly.
But it does.
Go watch Argento at his finest and you have what amounts to a superbly surreal updating of the same themes.
A fine, fine, movie - and obvious labour of love.