As we come to the end of the year, the rush of releases begins to ramp up tremendously. More films than ever are being released thanks to the increase in streaming content, making it rather difficult to keep up with the Jones of reviews and the ever changing release schedule. There are at least 6 films being released on Friday September 27th, and 5 of them have limited or wide theatrical releases and 4 of them have been shown at festivals. Needless to say, we’re doing our best to cover as many films as possible. So in addition to “Saturday Night“ and “The Wild Robot,” here are 2 more films releasing this week and what we thought about them!
“Azrael” – In Select Theaters
Speaking of streaming services, Shudder is one of the rare ones that understands their assignment. It is a carefully curated, niche platform that knows its audience and seeks to provide them with the kind of films they want. They also don’t mind an actual theatrical release, and “Azrael” checks all of those boxes. Samara Weaving is the unsung scream queen of our generation, a performer who seems to be very particular about the choices she makes but always thrives in the horror.thriller genre. “Azrael” pushes the limits of her capabilities, a film that removes dialogue almost entirely and requires its performers to rely on nothing but their actions and facial expressions. Luckily, Weaving is more than game, powering “Azrael” as the titular lead as a voiceless protagonist. After the rapture and apocalypse, surviving humanity has gone mute, refusing or unable to speak. A cult who ceremoninacly sacrifices individuals to the demons that roam for blood has chosen Azrael (Weaving) as their next victim. Except, she has no intention of being sacrificed, and will fight for survival and destruction of the cult at all costs.
The film paints itself into a corner by its own ambition and inventiveness, and doesn’t quite build the world as well as it seeks. But “Azrael” is never short on intrigue, and thanks to Weaving’s giant blue eyes and skilled expression, the apocalyptic thriller manages to stay engaging throughout its whole runtime. the pieces may not come together as neatly as intended and – without spoiling too much – we don’t really need another antichrist baby premise. But “Azrael” excels with its cast, stellar cinematography and over the top brutal violence. Director E. L. Katz really goes for it here and makes the most of his resources that maximizes the small scale production to feel larger than its limited resources. It’s the perfect kind of theatrical hidden gem and will fit perfectly on Shudder after its run. “Azrael” isn’t the best of its kind, but its just unique enough to be worth checking out, either in theaters or on streaming when it arrives.
Rating: 3.5 out of Stars
“Sleep” – In Select Theaters
South Korea has made a name for themselves in the horror/thriller genre. They seem to understand every facet of the genre, from grotesque violence to haunting atmospheric tension, they just can’t seem to miss. Jason Yu’s “Sleep” is no exception, another elegantly executed horror film that leans into its black comedy elements without ever losing its sense of dread and gripping tension. The young first time director was endorsed by acclaimed Bong Joon-ho, an endorsement that speaks volumes about “Sleep” itself while simultaneously putting massive expectations on it. Thankfully, “Sleep” is expertly executed and upholds the endorsement, delivering a haunting, sometimes funny but always engaging horror thriller that lives up to the strength of the foreign import legacy. “Sleep” follows Hyeon-soo (Lee Sun-kyun) and Soo-jin (Jung Yu-mi) as newlyweds in small apartment. One night, Soo-jin discovers Hyeon-soo sleepwalking, exhibiting strange behavior that he has never done before. Each night his behavior seems to more and more dangerous and violent, resulting in Soo-jin becoming fearful that her husband may harm their newborn.
As their marriage becomes more and more tumultuous due to his dangerous antics while asleep, Soo-jin can no longer contain her paranoia that something much more sinister is at play, and will stop at nothing to combat the seemingly supernatural and protect her child. “Sleep” explores the notion of how much we really know the person we sleep next to, and what can happen if who we thought the were suddenly changes and cannot be averted. The extremities to which “Sleep” goes to unnerve its audience is both subtle and blunt, constantly keeping you guessing as to what is actually happening in the night while also demonstrating brutal violence and dread. Fair warning, “Sleep” contains violence against animals and sometimes children, so if you’re squeamish about those things you may want to skip this one. It is an incredibly effective first feature, one that takes some familiar tropes within the genre and twists them around to deliver a rousing horror story. “Sleep” will keep you up at night, and have you questioning the person you’ve chosen to sleep next to.
It is probably one of the best hidden gems releasing this month that you should check out.
