Suspiria (2018)

Luca Guadagnino’s “Suspiria” attempts to reimagine Dario Argento’s cult classic, but falls short of expectations. Despite commendable performances, the film’s convoluted plot, excessive length, and lack of coherence undermine its potential.

Plot:

I think “Suspiria” suffers from a bloated narrative, filled with long-winded scenes that contribute little to the plot. The story wanders aimlessly, leaving me so much baffled and disconnected. While admittedly there are some impressive visual sequences, they fail to compensate for the overall lack of coherence and depth. Moreover we have so many topics, like holocaust, witches, terrorism, patriarchy, matriarchy, oppressive religion, all included in the movie but neither of them was really focused in depth.

Acting:

Tilda Swinton delivers a standout performance, portraying three distinct characters with ease. However, even her talent could not salvage the film’s shortcomings. Dakota Johnson’s portrayal of the protagonist falls also flat, lacking depth and charisma. The rest of the ensemble was okay, but nothing too exceptional. I also didn’t liked the german accents in this, felt a bit unauthentic.

Cinematography/Effects:

The film’s visual effects are commendable, particularly during the shocking finale. However, excessive use of jarring camera techniques detracts from the viewing experience. While some gore and violence are effective, they fail to offset the film’s flaws.

Genre:

“Suspiria” struggles to find its footing within any specific genre. While it offers moments of gore, they feel gratuitous and fail to enhance the horror elements. As a thriller, the film lacks a compelling story, leaving me disengaged and unexcited.

Scenery/Music:

The setting and scenery are adequate but fail to leave a lasting impression. The music score, while fittingly eerie, lacks memorability and fails to elevate the film.

Engagement/Boredom:

Clocking in at 2 hours and 31 minutes, “Suspiria” overstays its welcome. Many viewers could find themselves bored and disconnected throughout the film, like myself. Its length outweighs any potential enjoyment, resulting in a forgettable experience.

Recommendation:

Despite the great performance by Tilda Swinton and some nice visuals, “Suspiria” struggles to justify its excessive length and convoluted plot. Viewers seeking a cohesive and engaging horror-thriller may find themselves disappointed. Overall, I would not recommend this film due to its lack of coherence and entertainment value.

⭐⭐

Rating: 1.5 out of 5.

Trailer – Suspiria