Dir: Julien Maury & Alexandre Bustillo
France/2011/88mins
Print Source: Madman Entertainment
On her first-day as a nursing aide for the sick and elderly Lucie is taken to a rural mansion. Here she is ‘introduced’ to one of her future clients; an old lady in a coma. Discovering that the elderly woman has a hidden treasure secreted somewhere in the building, Lucie and her friends return to the house that evening. What follows slips from the dark gothic to abject horror.
Shot through with beautiful surreal imagery, Livid evokes a supernatural mood that recalls the likes of director Guillermo del Toro and Dario Argento, as well as the horror stories of Clive Barker. Directing team Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo (who previously directed Inside) have crafted a visually impressive exceptionally well-paced tale of haunting menace that slowly unravels as the film progresses.
Already and invariably heading for the obligatory English language remake, Livid is essential viewing for any horror fan.
Screens with two shorts: Dorothy & Thirst