Review: Suspiria (2018)

Directed by Luca Guadagnino

Starring: Dakota Johnson, Tilda Swinton

The plot takes place in 1977, and follows an American woman who enrolls at a prestigious dance academy in Berlin run by a coven of witches

Here's the long awaited remake/re-imagining. To be fair, I've seen this film actually one day before I've seen Cold Pursuit, it's just I decided I wanted to re-watch it on Blu-Ray, to gather more thoughts before writing my review. As expected from Luca Guadagnino, this film's pretty great.

The original Suspiria was released in 1977, by director/writer Dario Argento. It's impact and legacy still remains in the horror genre, with many films being influenced by the film. Firstly, I want to thank Luca Guadagnino, who not only was a fantastic director in this project, but for paying respect to the original and actually referencing it's elements through it's suspenseful psychological horror, to it's gorgeous visuals. The story is presented in 6 acts. The plot was interesting and engaging. The acting was phenomenally done by both Johnson and Swindon who showcased great chemistry between each others and the other dancers. The dance choreography was perfect, and kudos goes to the choreographers for putting together such a creepy, yet impressive display. Oh yeah also not to forget to mention that specific "dance sequence" as-well. As for pacing, I really don't understand when people actually say the film was too dragged out. Yes it was a slow-burner, but I actually felt the pacing was smooth, and that the scenes were important, and were often discussing and establishing the relationship between the characters. Oh yeah also, that finale was something wasn't it..

Visually, the cinematography is gorgeous and brilliantly done by Sayombhu Mukdeeprom, who also collaborated with Guadagnino in Call Me By Your Name. The camerawork was also incredible and payed homage to the original, with it's fast pan establishing shots, as well as it's slow-zooming close-ups. Along with the fabulous production design, the costumes/makeup were also beautifully crafted. The editing was great, and is shown impressively during the fantastic dream sequences and the dance scenes. Oh yeah, the music is awesomely done by Thom Yorke, who perfectly captured that eerie yet beautiful tone.

In conclusion, a twisted and creepy film, that truly captures the tone and psychological horror that the original did in a different direction. A great horror film, one that relies on suspense and atmosphere, then on cheap jump-scares.

My rating: 8.5/10

#FilmReview #2018