There's no use in denying it, I was deeply disappointed after my viewing of "Laurin". With its newly reestablished cult-status, the exclusively praising reviews here on IMDb & in specialized magazines, and - most of all - the chilling premise of a child murderer roaming around in a small German port town in the early 1900s, I was 200% convinced "Laurin" was destined to become a personal favorite, and perhaps even a rare 10/10 rating.
But alas, either my expectations were set far too high (likely), or Robert Sigl's acclaimed debut isn't as darkly twisted, compelling, and genius as others say. The film nevertheless remains worthwhile and even recommend viewing for fans of gothic horror and macabre fairy tales, though. It features an uncanny and slow-brooding atmosphere, a few terrifying highlights, an intriguing coming-of-ace sub context, and an unforgettable climax. Admittedly this is a lot more than in most other movies I watch, so maybe I should just shut up.
When Laurin's father leaves again for many months of work at sea, the young teenage girl is left behind with her pregnant mother and sick grandmother. Agony strikes when her mother dies in suspicious circumstances, and a young gypsy child disappears in the village. Suddenly, all the adults (the pastor, the new schoolteacher, parents of classmates) start behaving strangely according to Laurin, and she has supernatural visions. Does her mother want to tell her something?
Sigl's film is at its best and utmost powerful when it's a true gothic nightmare! The sequences taking place during a thunderstorm at night in the graveyard, or when Laurin discovers the lair of the killer, can easily rival with the most haunting moments in Hammer movies. The beginning and the ending of "Laurin" are great, but unfortunately not much of importance happens during the whole middle part. Our young protagonist clashes back and forth between childhood and adulthood, there are vague hints of child abuse, and daily life in the classroom is also very challenging, but it all proceeds very slowly and without unsettling scenes. The decors, the music, and the use of colors are stunning. It's a pity (according to me) the film is only available in English and, to my knowledge, doesn't exist in German/Hungarian with subtitles. Probably this was to appeal to the international film-festival circuit, but it affects the credibility and the acting performances.
But alas, either my expectations were set far too high (likely), or Robert Sigl's acclaimed debut isn't as darkly twisted, compelling, and genius as others say. The film nevertheless remains worthwhile and even recommend viewing for fans of gothic horror and macabre fairy tales, though. It features an uncanny and slow-brooding atmosphere, a few terrifying highlights, an intriguing coming-of-ace sub context, and an unforgettable climax. Admittedly this is a lot more than in most other movies I watch, so maybe I should just shut up.
When Laurin's father leaves again for many months of work at sea, the young teenage girl is left behind with her pregnant mother and sick grandmother. Agony strikes when her mother dies in suspicious circumstances, and a young gypsy child disappears in the village. Suddenly, all the adults (the pastor, the new schoolteacher, parents of classmates) start behaving strangely according to Laurin, and she has supernatural visions. Does her mother want to tell her something?
Sigl's film is at its best and utmost powerful when it's a true gothic nightmare! The sequences taking place during a thunderstorm at night in the graveyard, or when Laurin discovers the lair of the killer, can easily rival with the most haunting moments in Hammer movies. The beginning and the ending of "Laurin" are great, but unfortunately not much of importance happens during the whole middle part. Our young protagonist clashes back and forth between childhood and adulthood, there are vague hints of child abuse, and daily life in the classroom is also very challenging, but it all proceeds very slowly and without unsettling scenes. The decors, the music, and the use of colors are stunning. It's a pity (according to me) the film is only available in English and, to my knowledge, doesn't exist in German/Hungarian with subtitles. Probably this was to appeal to the international film-festival circuit, but it affects the credibility and the acting performances.