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Directed by Gabriele Albanesi
Review by Molly Celaschi
When on-off lovers Aurora & Rino are attacked by thugs in the woods, they are rescued by older couple Antonio & Clara. But when they head back to the last house in the woods, they find out that they just stepped further into trouble. And as if things couldn’t get worse, the thugs show up at the property to take back their spoils.
This film is difficult to describe because it combines so many different subgenres and the tone of the film shifts halfway through. The first part of the film works like a serious exploitation film that makes you feel uncomfortable, but the second part changes to a low budget gore flick ala Tromaville and ends on a creepy Dario Argento inspired climax. All of these elements work well separately, but together give the film a strange feel. It may entertain viewers for the simple fact that there is so much is going on, but may aggravate others with its slightly nonsensical plotline.
The initial attack on Rino and Aurora by the thugs was difficult to watch. While it is not graphic by any means and there is no nudity, it is hard to watch these lovers attacked with Rino getting pummeled and Aurora tossed around like a ragdoll screaming.
There are interesting comparisons being made here with the “civilized” men who rape and kill out of anger and the “uncivilized” folk that eat people for food. One of the thugs is even keen on raping women, but oddly seems opposed to trespassing and theft. Hell, he even has the nerve to say “the priest told me you guys were trouble” to the other thugs as he dies. Cesare, the head of the gang, was the most fun. He popped pills and chased the cannibals like it was a game.
What is really strange is when Cesare pulls a stunt with Aurora similar to a “Knight in Shining Armor” saving a “Damsel in Distress.” He attempted to rape her in the beginning, so I am annoyed with this sudden compassion on his character’s part. I still do not view him in a favorable light. There are gender politics being debated here and even I can’t figure them out. Aurora is seen as this strong woman, sexually aware with a mind of her own that is physically and mentally strong enough to save herself, but then we are introduced to compassionate rapists that view theft as a crime. What?
And I liked Aurora’s character. She is a strong female lead, but not necessarily physically built to be a fighter. She is strong in her convictions and has a strong sense of her desire for happiness, pleasure, and survival. She is the dominant one in her relationship and has the ability to make love without being in love. Also, it is Aurora that helps boyfriend Rino after she is almost raped and when both are captured, she attempts to rescue HIM from the house. Overall, I am impressed with this portrayal of a woman, but confused by the adoring flashback of him making love to her while she draws to see if she can “keep her concentration.” Then there is the confusing “I’ll never leave you” TITANIC speech he gives her when she ends up taking care of herself in the end.
I think this had major potential and style when it played out as a metaphor for relationships and as a Rape/Revenge exploitation flick. But once the deformed family showed up, it got a bit silly. It would have worked better if it chose one or the other instead of blending these subgenres. And come on, redneck Italian trailer trash?
But the director shows promise and Clara, who is quiet at first, ends up giving an over the top performance at the end that got my attention again. The ending is quite interesting too, but I will leave that as a surprise for anyone who will watch it. Besides, the image is more exciting than the thought. The ending is actually kind of a happy one, with both parties learning a lesson. Aurora apparently learns “that her heart will go on”, which she already knew at the beginning anyway. And the young child in the bizarre family learns about acceptance and love.
The SFX are provided by Sergio Stivaletti (DELLAMORTE DELLAMORE) and includes throat slitting, gut spilling, chainsaw chasing, dismemberments, back stabbing, puss popping, strangling, head smashing, vehicular manslaughter, and limb munching.
Bottom Line: Entertaining, but uneven film that mixes exploitation, love, and gore.
Rating: 6.5/10
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