Wednesday 11 February 2015

ONE TO WATCH: MISS VIOLENCE


Some films are hard to watch and Alexandros Avranas' dysfunctional family drama is one such film. Miss Violence is also deeply compelling, not an enjoyable movie by any stretch of the imagination, but I can almost guarantee you won't take your eyes off it for a second, no matter how hard you try. 

Part of that is down to the subtle yet sublime performances littered throughout, every one of them drowning in misery, self-hate, regret and most crucially, fear. Miss Violence is also home to one of the scariest screen villains I have seen in a while, played with unflinching brutality by Themis Panou. 

On her birthday, 11-year-old Angeliki jumps off the balcony to her death with a smile on her face. An investigation is started as to why this apparent suicide has taken place, but the family keeps insisting that it was an accident. As time passes it becomes clear that things aren't what they seem, and some doors should never be opened. With seductive camera work, pitch-perfect performances and a slow, deliberate unveiling of truth, Miss Violence is a confident second feature from Alexander Avranas (Without). 

It's grim viewing at times, hard-hitting and very uncomfortable to watch, but there is a lot to admire despite the harrowing subject matter. Worth a look if you're in the right (maybe that should read wrong) frame of mind.


Miss Violence Trailer

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