Post by Mr.HoRrOr on Apr 8, 2012 16:25:55 GMT -5
Plot:A troubled young woman must finally come to terms with her horrific past as she is propelled through dreams into the terrifying fairytale world of the Red Kingdom where she encounters figures reminiscent of her memories and fears.
Cast:
Wendy Battersbee
David Caron
Sienna Ford
Silvana Maimone
Emily Stride
Etalia Turnbull
My Thoughts:Odd but effective little fairytale indie.
Review:"Red Kingdom Rising" is an indie film directed and written by Navin Dev. The film brings together the elements of dark fairytale-ism. With horror, both physical-graphic, and psychological. The movie follows a young woman named Mary Ann. She has lucid dreams, which have become more and more disturbing with each encounter. Her guidance counselor advises her to return to her childhood home to confront her childhood "demons". This, after the recent death of her father. Mary Ann's dreams always seem to be in the fairytale mold of Alice In Wonderland.
And also, almost always involve a sinister character called The Red King. A cloaked man who may turn out to be something..."beyond"...that. Now that she's back home, can she overcome her psychological torments once and for all? "Red Kingdom Rising" as a title first and foremost. Can be a bit misleading. The movie suggests a lot to be going on with its title. But really keeps the story tightly reigned in.
Confined to Mary Ann, her disturbed mother, and a few other characters. And keeping the unfolding events confined to two locales. The real world, and Mary Ann's "dreamscape". The characters are really what drive this movie. And if you can get into the characters. And ignore the four or five cliches. Such as this film being, a "twist on the Alice In Wonderland" fairytale. Many horror films seem to be using this fairytale as a springboard for their stories.
Even Paul Anderson admitted that "AIW" was the base for his character of Alice in the "Resident Evil" movies. At this point, when someone's film synopsis reads..."a dark twist on the classic fairytale, Alice In Wonderland"...I kind of roll my eyes in a "not this again", sort of way. Then there's the troubled girl with the mysterious past cliche. That this film settles on. How many indie or mainstream horror films. Have some tormented female character at the center of things?
And if you're wondering what Mary Ann's torments "are", in "particular". I'm sure a wild guess or two will place you in the winner's circle. Because with the female lead in a horror film. It usually always is abusive childhood, evil childhood friends who messed her up royally, or teenage drug use. That has had lingering effects into adulthood. And by the way, did I mention Mary Ann's mom is an eccentric, who looks kind of like a low-rent version of Dahlia from "Silent Hill"? Yep.
Mary Ann returns home to all of this. And you kind of ask yourself, why did she come back in the first place? Maybe she should just pop her mom and explain to her that she's already screwed up enough. The last thing she needs is screwy mommy screwing her up even further. But Davin manages to put forth some intriguing mystery elements within the film. And as a horror movie, it always feels ominous and dark. A tone that the film manages to cling to throughout its 85 minute run.
A very positive sign. The source material in general is very dark and depressing. But the movie knows what genre its playing in. And makes sure the viewer does not feel comfortable watching for a second. You always think Mary Ann is in danger, and things will get worse for her before they get better. IF...they ever do get better. And not many horror films I've seen can get me to believe very early on, that no happy ending is abound. Usually, that's something I have to wait to figure out whether or not its true, later on.
"Red Kingdom Rising" also has a habit of introducing characters who are not at all what they seem. This, includes Mary Ann's mom. So the picture never really gets boring. As surprises and twists are almost always around every corner. And the dialogue between the characters is extremely crisp. As Mary Ann tries to get to the bottom of her scary dreams. And this mysterious Red King character stalks her. Mary Ann does however meet a new player in this twisted game. In the form of a little girl. Who may be as much friend.
As she seems to be foe. And its these types of "what ifs", that keep a movie like "Red Kingdom Rising" always interesting and intriguing. That, and the disturbing imagery the film puts forth through the imaginations and actions of its characters. The final act of the movie gives the viewer perfect answers and closure to the movies often-teased, big reveal. And the one thing I liked above all else about the ending was it was neat and not sloppy. And didn't leave any lingering questions of variables.
It started out with the intention of telling a creepy, and psychologically disturbing story. Of a young woman under attack by forces whom seem to be more of the mental, rather than anything else. And when it was all over. The story had been concluded and completed. Without any complicated loose ends. Or loose ends that were just left in so the director can pat himself on the back for being "clever".
Fans of more bloody, gory, and "to-the-point" horror films. Might not be major fans of "Red Kingdom Rising". But if you give the film a chance, and get into the story and characters. You'll come away liking this small horror production. Despite its occasional flaws which come in the form of it being too "twisty", in a few parts.
Positives:Strong performances. A decent story that doesn't stay all in one place for too long. A solid script with solid dialogue, and a very dark tone to events and the story. That never lets up. One scene in particular is very gory and effective. And a nicely crafted ending.
Negatives:At times, the film indulges in too many twists. A few were unnecessary. Also, making a horror movie as a "dark take", on the "Alice In Wonderland" fairytale. Seems overdone after so many other filmmakers have done it. This doesn't hurt the movie too much. But is still a minor negative.
Overall:Three and a half out of four stars.