SYNOPSIS:
“A hopeful young starlet uncovers the ominous origins of the Hollywood elite and enters into a deadly agreement in exchange for fame and fortune…”
REVIEW:
Fuck! Now, this is how you make a modern day horror film!
I thorough enjoyed this film, from beginning to end, and props have to be given to Alex Esoe for her completely believable portrayal of a woman who is (or may be) becoming something which is very nasty indeed.
I actually got given a screener of this to view for honest review, and this was perhaps the best modern horror feature film I have seen in the past 5 years (along with another indie gem I will be reviewing shortly).
The film starts with the beautiful Alex waiting tables at a shitty diner, but she truly wants to try her hand at acting, so she auditions for a part in a film, with very bizarre, disturbing and extreme circumstances.
When all is said and done Starry Eyes is what is commonly referred to as a “Body-Horror”, made famous by people like David Cronenberg with features like The Fly, Rabid, Shivers, The Brood and Scanners (all of which you should check out NOW).
But directors Kevin Kolsch and Dennis Widmyer are no copycats at all, they take elements from Body-Horror classics of yesteryear and make it their own with Starry Eyes.
There’s some truly amazing (and very believable) effects by Matt Falletrta (who I know previously from Progeny), these effects are used minimally, and show truly how a theme can be pushed to it’s limits and beyond without overdoing it.
Alex’s performance in the lead is truly something amazing to behold. She gives up everything for this role, you can tell she prepared for it well, and gave everything, including her soul (hint,hint!). When an actress bares their body and soul for a film, you just know that it is for the right reasons – the love and honor of the genre (and in this case – horror). Alex’s performance is pure perfection and could not have been improved at all. How will she top this in any other film? Let us wait and see. She will clearly be a very promising person to watch for in the future of horror films in general, let us hope and pray that Hollywood does not swallow her up, for she is far too good to waste!
Another excellent thing about this film is it’s use of (minimal, once again, but effective) sound design and music.The general score has a very late 70’s, early 80’s feel to it (as does the entire film really, which I love). Other directors have tried to pull this effect off and failed miserably, but Kevin and Dennis manage it simply because they have heart, passion and desire to pay homage without copying.
Again, THIS IS HOW YOU DO IT!
RATING:
10 out of 10 –
See this asap, is is simply one of the top three horror feature films in the past 5 (possibly 10) years.
Kelly's Horror (and more) Reviews. 