A Serbian Film

Well, I've been putting off watching this one for a while, so tonight me and my buddy Chris decided to conquer the white whale of disturbing movies that is A Serbian Film. So what did I think of it. It achieves what it set out to do, it's disturbing and disgusting for sure and leaves you with a grotty hollow feeling afterwards but is it any good?. 

I'm going to say yes and no, It feels like the director in my opinion set out only to make a film that is utterly drenched in seediness. I do not believe it has any redeemable aspects. Other than perhaps the cinematography in places but that's being generous. I have heard people argue that it does have a message and that being that it is a giant metaphor for the instant victimhood the Serbian people experience from birth to death, due to its oppressive government and the poverty they are born into. 

And is there an argument to be made there, sure, however I believe it was the secondary aim of the filmmaker and not the primary purpose of the film. The films primary purpose is to shock and offend. In my opinion.

Here's the thing, it's not a film to be enjoyed but one to be endured and perhaps that aligns with its message about life in Serbia. However I despise this film just like the filmmaker intended me to so in that regard it absolutely did its job.

Each frame has a disquieting mixture of pornographic sex coupled with violence, with some themes being significantly worse than others, of course I'm talking about the scenes involving implied pedophilia. Yes those scenes are some of the most shocking, vile and putrid things ever put on film. I can only say that I'm thankful that they are either not entirely shown or look incredibly fake when they are, in regards to the infamous newborn scene.

There is a deep web snuff film quality to it that gives it a horrifying authenticity and due to the amount of sexual content it feels like you're watching a depraved porno rather than a horror film. The acting is serviceable, the practical effects though clearly made on a budget are relatively effective and it definitely has its own unique thumbprint, but it's too edgy and try hard for its own good.

For all its Grindhouse ridiculousness it is depicting real horrors that are occurring all over the world as I write this and that is the thing that is truly shocking about it, what it is showing you is not that far removed from reality...but maybe after all, that's part of the point, but because the film has no substance whatsoever once the shock of what you're seeing wears off you are just left thinking...really, is that it?