"Deadgirl"

Movie Reviewed Today: Deadgirl

Genre: Independent / Psychological Horror / Drama

Starring: Shiloh Fernandez
Noah Segan
Candice Accola

Director: Marcel Sarmiento and Gadi Harel

While partying in / trashing an old abandoned asylum, two high schoolers (Rickie and JT - Shiloh and Noah) discover something sealed away in the basement: a naked woman strapped to a table who is alive but appears to be brain dead. Rickie wants to leave immediately and tell someone, but JT suggests they "keep" her, saying that they can "get some" whenever they want with her here. Eventually JT discovers that she cannot die, no matter what he does to her, though Rickie wants no part in this. Over the weeks, friendship, integrity, and sanity are tested as the two try to keep the secret and cover up betrayals.

This movie is quite twisted...no, make that extremely twisted. It constantly asks the question of "would you do this if you could get away with it?" and without spoiling anything, the answer for all characters introduced to the deadgirl is "yes." It shows psychological complexities of what could happen after so many years of abuse and rejection in high school. The deadgirl herself could easily be taken as a symbol for something more, especially addiction. At one point, JT really reminded me of a drug addict in his addiction to being with the deadgirl: not leaving the room ever, giving up all other aspects of his life, including his relationships with real people, etc.

The cinematography is quite amazing for an independent film: light when it needs to be, grainy, gritty, and dank when it needs that. Also, for actors I have never really seen before, the cast definitely pulled off the intensity that was required by the storyline.

Overall it was quite awesome, even though the ideas presented were twisted to the point of being insane, though I'm pretty sure I would rather watch "Garbage Pail Kids" 10 times in a row before I would watch this ONCE with my parents.

Final Score - 7/10