"Writer-director Mico Montes's debut feature is a workably creepy, fitfully absorbing horror effort that centres around a group therapy session run by squeaky-voiced shrink Dr Hedonia (Rachel Alig). One would think at least one of the good doctor's patients would have wondered how their therapist came to have a surname that means pleasure in Greek, and why this might be. Sadly, none of these hapless souls, all of whom are seeking help for trauma, seem to have even a cursory acquaintance with classical languages."
"That said, most of them do seem prone to a florid monologue style as they describe what's brought them to the room. Lenny (Torrey B Lawrence), for instance, while talking about the fire that destroyed his house and all his possessions, waxes lyrical in the most violently violet prose style, incanting about the night's breach how he was perplexed by taunting thoughts and so on. Does anyone actually talk like this?"
"On it goes, as each patient tells their sorry, sometimes silly tale, although supporting player Christina Kroell makes a strong impression in the story narrated by cowardly Dev (Ryan Wayne), who was lured to his misfortune by the incongruous sound of a violin while hiking. The last story in the portmanteau package is narrated by black-haired goth girl October (Gabrielle Salinger), who seems to have had a psychotic break"
A group therapy session led by squeaky-voiced Dr Hedonia gathers patients who each recount traumatic, often floridly narrated experiences. Lenny describes a house fire in violently violet prose; Claire recounts an encounter with an evil latex-clad dominatrix that opens space for torture-porn gore. Dev relates being lured by the incongruous sound of a violin while hiking, with a notable supporting turn. October, a black-haired goth, suffers a psychotic break after an attack, complicating her friendship with neighbour Heidi. Sharp editing and atmospheric lighting produce well-timed scares, though dialogue and monologue style can feel strained.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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