Works for what it is
After a really long time, as I had some alone time on a Saturday night, I thought of reliving good old days by watching a movie, alone. While browsing through my HDD, I came across this movie called ‘Alone’. ‘Alone’ being a horror and foreign movie was icing on a cake. What better do you need than a movie titled ‘Alone’ on a day alone. The movie too lived up to the hype. It was a classic jump scare, no nonsense film with a decent twist. Only that I had to watch it into two splits, instead of one, like how the conjoined twin were split, because I seemed to have so gotten used to sleeping on time.
It was a clean movie. There is nothing to complain about it. You get what you want. It transcends boundaries and works genuinely. If the movie had been treated in the same way, no matter what the language is, it would have worked similarly. May be that’s why so many directors were tempted and make it in their language. But unfortunately, missed the point which I earlier told. The treatment, if diluted would surely would spoil the film. I’m sure in the Tamil version there would have been needless sentiments and songs and Hindi version because it had Bipasa would have hot scenes. May be that’s why originals are best. The same could be said about the director duo of Banjong Pisanthanakun and Parkpoom Wongpoom’s ‘Shutter’.
Like a typical template horror, the film starts with eerie title card, followed by a suspense shot on Pim’s (Marsha Vadhanapanich) birthday. Loved the Thai version of ‘Happy Birthday’ song, it was cute. Once they get to know about her mother’s illness, Wee (Vittaya Wasukraipaisan) and Pim go to Korea to see her. Pim starts to see horrific images from there, followed by doctor visit. After sometime, Wee too starts seeing bits of what Pim sees. During a chance encounter with Pim’s mother, he gets to know the real story and there is the twist.
Even though the film happens entirely in dark, a good excuse for horror film makers to not try anything new, this film, as it deals will conjoined twins, uses mirror and its reflection to good advantage. Especially loved the shot where Pim sits in front of the mirror when she revisits her house after a long time. You can feel as if there are two different people in two mirrors. As it’s in different angle, it appears as if there are two different people. But it actually is the same person with different expression, due to the angles. That’s lovely shot. Also lights and shadows were used well to get a reflection. The director knew how to use the theme well.
As I exactly knew what to expect, I got what I wanted. That’s why it’s difficult to write so genre friendly movies. It does everything as per template and satisfies. You can neither criticize not applaud. That is the reason why taking risks and going beyond regular template makes films interesting. May be if because I’ve not watched any film of late in this genre, it worked for me. Not sure, if someone who specializes films of this genre would be able to take it in the same vein as I did.
constantscribbles 