Krisha (2015)

 

Genre: Horror/ Drama

Time: 1h 23mins

Director: Trey Edward Shults

Quick Summary: Krisha returns for Thanksgiving dinner after ten years away from her family, but past demons threaten to ruin the festivities.

I need to go lie down after this

Imagine a pot of boiling water that is very slowly boiling, but is always about to boil over. That's how this film feels; pure anticipation anxiety. It's unnerving right from the very start by opening with this woman's face slowly being zoomed in as she stares into your soul for almost one minute. As this film goes on, you're just waiting for something to happen, even if you're not really sure what is. Each moment feels more and more tense. Honestly, it's actually really stressful. 

Old wounds are re-opened, and a simple conversation on the patio turns into harsh comments digging for information, or checking the timer for the baking turkey becomes near catastrophes. Each interaction with anyone makes you hold your breath. Something isn't right, you can't quite tell, but you know and you're constantly waiting for everything to boil over. 

Something that really helps along with this is the very unsettling camera shots. Close-ups slowly zoom out as Krisha stares into another room, slightly nauseating tracking shots that follow her around the whole room, frantic back and forth between people and overheard shots. The aspect ratio flicks between squared and narrow or open so you can see everything. You really feel like you're prying in on a real family's dinner and you are glued to your seat to watch this all unfold.

All of the actors in this are so damn good, each and every one pulls their weight, I wouldn't have guessed for a single second these were just average people. The director's own family actually. I think that is what makes this film so real too. 

Another thing is that this film chooses to slowly reveal information/backstory or does it so subtly it would be very easy to miss. That does mean some moments can be a little confusing, especially at the start when you're trying to piece things together.

Honestly, I can't say much about this apart from this being an experience of tension and anxiety that is well worth its very short run time. Watch this if you find the time, because I still think about this once a day. 

10/10

"You are heartbreak incarnate, lady. You are a leaver. That's what you are. You are an abandoner, that's what you are."

"When you didn't return my phone calls. When you told me to "need" you. "Call me if you need me, baby. Yeah. Be vulnerable. "I'm your big man, right? "I got your back." Well, it's too late now, okay? All of my hard work. It's too late. Because not one fucking person on the planet would answer the phone when I call them for help."

"You just love me because I'm your sister"