I read on here that some think it is a horrendous movie and others think it's a very good movie. It's none of the above. Saying it's horrendous is ridiculous because it isn't that bad. Saying it's a very good movie is also ridiculous because there are way better movies in the same genre then this one. It's an average movie worth watching once and then forget about it. The cast isn't bad. All actors did their best playing their respective characters. It's just the story that could have been better. It's all a bit guessing what happened but it's just a bit too slow and too long before you get some answers. They try to make it creepy but it isn't really and that's why it's just an average movie for this genre.
91 Reviews
"Lavender": Big Spookiness comes in Small Packages
jtncsmistad9 July 2017
What a strange little movie we have in the under-the-radar Canadian supernatural drama "Lavender". It may be a low budget indy, but the story, acting and cinematography are all of high caliber.
Australian beauty Abbie Cornish is Jane, a woman with a horrific past that she can not remember. Cornish resonates as a wife and mother struggling to recall unthinkable events from a tragic childhood. Although she plays a gal from the American Midwest, her indigenous Aussie accent does seep through on occasion. But that doesn't detract from a solid performance as the anchor of a uniformly fine cast which includes veteran pros Dermot Mulroney and Justin Long.
And one other thing. Watching "Lavender" may well result in you never again looking at unexpected presents wrapped in pretty red ribbon as a welcome surprise.
Australian beauty Abbie Cornish is Jane, a woman with a horrific past that she can not remember. Cornish resonates as a wife and mother struggling to recall unthinkable events from a tragic childhood. Although she plays a gal from the American Midwest, her indigenous Aussie accent does seep through on occasion. But that doesn't detract from a solid performance as the anchor of a uniformly fine cast which includes veteran pros Dermot Mulroney and Justin Long.
And one other thing. Watching "Lavender" may well result in you never again looking at unexpected presents wrapped in pretty red ribbon as a welcome surprise.
Decent Story But Sometimes It Tries Too Hard
sddavis6326 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
The story revolves around Jane (Abbie Cornish) - a young wife and mother of a young daughter who as the result of a car accident loses her memory, and as it slowly returns she finds herself being confronted by scattered memories of childhood trauma. The trauma is no surprise to the viewer. We're introduced (to a degree, but not to all the details) to what happened in the opening scenes of the movie. So that opening does serve as a bit of a hook. The movie sets you up to believe that Jane was responsible for what was shown. Which means that right from the start you know that's too simple an explanation. And having said that it's fair to say that the story is a little bit too simple. What finally comes out at the end of the movie - after an hour and a half of Jane struggling to recover her memories of that night - isn't really a surprise. If it wasn't Jane, there really only seemed to be one direction the story could move - and so it did. It's still a decent story. At times, though, it seems to try too hard to bulid some suspense and throw a bit of "shock" into a movie that really had little of either. But the background music and various scenes struggle to create suspense. At times it's mildly effective, but for the most part - well, not really. There's a bit of a supernatural element to this which has you wondering up to the last scenes. Is this actually a ghost story or is Jane just imagining some of the things that are happening? Is what seems to be supernatural really just the result of the repressed memory of the trauma finally being released? That does seem clarified at the very end.
It certainly isn't a bad movie. It's engaging enough for the most part although it does at times seem to drag just a little bit. The performances in this were so-so. I didn't think anyone in the cast really stood out. But I watched it from beginning to end and wanted to see how it all was going to turn out, and was especially concerned almost from the start with what would happen to Jane's young daughter Alice (one of the earlier roles for young Lola Flanery, who's more familiar from TV series such as Mary Kills People and The 100). (6/10)
It certainly isn't a bad movie. It's engaging enough for the most part although it does at times seem to drag just a little bit. The performances in this were so-so. I didn't think anyone in the cast really stood out. But I watched it from beginning to end and wanted to see how it all was going to turn out, and was especially concerned almost from the start with what would happen to Jane's young daughter Alice (one of the earlier roles for young Lola Flanery, who's more familiar from TV series such as Mary Kills People and The 100). (6/10)
Solid overall. Just nothing new here.
Sleepin_Dragon23 September 2018
Trauma certainly has its moments, a bold beginning, a rather dramatic ending, and a solid story development. At times in the middle I did find myself losing a little bit of interest, as it did delve into the realms of boring at times.
I'm surprised that this film has awful and amazing reviews, to me it's very middle of the road, there's nothing particularly shambolic here, it's nicely edited, well acted, but the main flaw it has, is it's overwhelming obviousness, you just know exactly how it's going to pan out, why, and who is at fault, there was no other possible outcome offered up.
It's watchable. 5/10
I'm surprised that this film has awful and amazing reviews, to me it's very middle of the road, there's nothing particularly shambolic here, it's nicely edited, well acted, but the main flaw it has, is it's overwhelming obviousness, you just know exactly how it's going to pan out, why, and who is at fault, there was no other possible outcome offered up.
It's watchable. 5/10
Loved this beautiful psychological drama with a dash of horror
avanti_nn24 May 2020
Those who don't understand this genre have no business writing reviews for it.
The story is beautifully crafted as a psychological revelation that presents itself to a young woman who has a traumatized childhood but does not remember it. Her mind helps heal itself by gifting her little pieces of repressed memories, one at a time. These pieces appear to us, and to her, in the form of tiny gift packages tied with a red ribbon. The people she lost, the same ones from her repressed memory present themselves to her as strangers and apparitions she chases to get to a complete recovery of her mind and memory. A literal translation of those memories would be ghosts but that depends on how you choose to see it. Right until the end it could very well just be a drama unfolding itself in her mind, right until her daughter seems to know things she has no business knowing about. That's when the ghosts become real. This movie has the perfect amount of spookiness and everything makes sense. By the end of the movie every bit falls together like a sweetly solved puzzle.
The silliest thing about this movie...
h222330 June 2023
The movie begins by letting us know that the main character's family was killed when she was young, and that she was found in the house, crouched in the corner holding a pocket razor. Basically the movie then serves to unfold the mystery of what happened all those years ago.
The movie is incredibly slow. I found myself doing that "come on, wrap it up" gesture at the screen on more than one occasion where the camera was just pointed at Abbie Cornish's face, while she stood there looking sad or scared for WAY TOO LONG. I don't require a superhero movie to stay engaged, but the pace on this thing was like watching hair grow.
Like some other reviewers, I also questioned the "look" of Abbie Cornish's character. She certainly didn't look like a photographer. She looked like she was going to a barn dance, every day. I usually don't feel that annoyed by a character's wardrobe, but in this case that darn denim jacket got SO old it was distracting.
That aside, the plot unfolds in a pretty silly way. There isn't much consistency to the supernatural aspects (I am fine suspending disbelief for supernatural stuff -- but please establish some rules instead of having everyone do totally random things!).
By far the SILLIEST thing about this movie, though, is when we get to find out "what really happened." It was 1985 when this multiple murder took place, and the police couldn't put together what happened?? Once you see everything play out on the screen, it's obvious that even a random person off the street examining the bodies could give a fairly good guess. The specific types of injuries (or lack thereof) would make everything pretty obvious.
In short, it isn't a mysterious crime at all, so the police would ABSOLUTELY have figured it out and narrowed in on the killer quite easily. I hate having to suspend THAT much disbelief, so I felt cheated at the end, rather than rewarded for my patience sitting through all of those long, slow scenes.
It's not the worst movie I've ever seen, but there are a LOT of other good things I'd recommend putting ahead of this on your watchlist.
The movie is incredibly slow. I found myself doing that "come on, wrap it up" gesture at the screen on more than one occasion where the camera was just pointed at Abbie Cornish's face, while she stood there looking sad or scared for WAY TOO LONG. I don't require a superhero movie to stay engaged, but the pace on this thing was like watching hair grow.
Like some other reviewers, I also questioned the "look" of Abbie Cornish's character. She certainly didn't look like a photographer. She looked like she was going to a barn dance, every day. I usually don't feel that annoyed by a character's wardrobe, but in this case that darn denim jacket got SO old it was distracting.
That aside, the plot unfolds in a pretty silly way. There isn't much consistency to the supernatural aspects (I am fine suspending disbelief for supernatural stuff -- but please establish some rules instead of having everyone do totally random things!).
By far the SILLIEST thing about this movie, though, is when we get to find out "what really happened." It was 1985 when this multiple murder took place, and the police couldn't put together what happened?? Once you see everything play out on the screen, it's obvious that even a random person off the street examining the bodies could give a fairly good guess. The specific types of injuries (or lack thereof) would make everything pretty obvious.
In short, it isn't a mysterious crime at all, so the police would ABSOLUTELY have figured it out and narrowed in on the killer quite easily. I hate having to suspend THAT much disbelief, so I felt cheated at the end, rather than rewarded for my patience sitting through all of those long, slow scenes.
It's not the worst movie I've ever seen, but there are a LOT of other good things I'd recommend putting ahead of this on your watchlist.
But who called the police?
ajlv-boone31 August 2021
So many unanswered questions...good that you won't even care.
keertiliberta7 January 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Starts off with a gory crime scene at a farmhouse, Father, Mother & Sister killed with a young Jane found huddled in a corner with a bloody switchblade. The Uncle is the next of kin, lives nearby and gets called to the scene, however the kid is given up for foster homes(we learn later) and jumpcut to 25 years later when she has a husband and a daughter, with zero recollection of the events. An automobile accident juggles up her loosened screws and she starts remembering bits and pieces of her past life in weird riddle pieces. Sounds promising, right? Well, you'll not be the first to get fooled.
1. Absolutely the first thing you'd notice annoyed is the background score. Pretentious classical music played loud all along, dun-dun-Duns five seconds ahead of when you're supposed to be scared. You can play on your tablet while this movie rolls on your tv, look up when the music pokes up "hey hey look! Somethings about to happppen!" and you can get adequately miffed. Don't worry, you're not missing much.
2. The vapid and annoying Abbie Cornish and her Covet Fashions wardrobe and makeup. Which survive a) a car accident involving four to five roundabouts oft he said car b) irritatingly confusing multiple ghostly figures trying their hands at dumbcharade in the middle of the night attempting to pass off important information about her past c) several near death experiences of her daughter. Her stylists in the movie must be gaining on those Covet levels hard. There are designated impeccable "toppling inside a car look","discovering her traumatic past look", "pretty on the stairs while daughter chokes to death look", "pretty on the bed while ghost sister chokes to death look". Loads of denim. Cool heels. I wanted a few for myself, the runway looks were so good. You almost wait for the label name to popup anytime. Added level bonus: Cornish' "It's Sunday, why did you wake me up at 4 in the morning!' look. Delightful. especially in the scene where her daughter's having an asthma attack and her husband is trying to save her. 5.80 points where she stands by the railing posing.
3. I learned that ghost love painstakingly wrapping cute gifts for the demented. Nice red ribbons, cute little boxes to deliver riddle pieces at her doorstep. That talent could be exploited in Christmas times, just saying.
4. Sooo...we learn the Uncle basically killed off the family with Jane being a witness to the crime as also to the abuse he'd resort to on the kids. He left the house after the mass murder mistakenly thinking Jane to be dead, who was later found by the police shaken and traumatised. However, Uncle makes no attempt at keeping the kid under his roof (he admits to an older Jane that he was not very adept at raising kids) which would minimise the chance that she'd regain her memory and expose his crime to the world. Not a very intelligent man, he.
5. Jane's psychiatrist is a figment of her imagination. Which you guess as soon as the doctor awkwardly loiters around while she opens one of her dubious giftboxes. No doctor has that kind of time for his patients.
6. No context or explanations of any action by the characters. Why pray they moved to that old farmhouse right away? What about their home, did they rent it/sold it/gave it away in case she remembered some hidden treasures buried in the garden of the farmhouse? Does the kid go to school? Anywhere? Is this some extreme case of reverse germophobia where they just move into a dilapidated farmhouse locked up for 25 years and don't even change the bedsheets? Was the Uncle paying its electricity bill for the past 25 years? Good man.
6. That ending, My God. What exactly was the Uncle trying to do running away with the kid under one arm and shooting at the father with another? Leaving behind his house, barn, all those poor cows? Did he plan on the spot to run away on foot with the clothes on his back and the kid tucked under to a goodlife somewhere else while the Mom and Dad sit in their car and talk about the next Milan show? They should've tied his hands backwards.
All in all, a film where all the characters are so vapid and uninterested that you don't feel sympathetic for the protagonists, villain or the ghosts and wish they could somehow have this final epic battle scene where everybody kills everybody off. You could nap in the sofa till then, the music will wake you up. With that final shot of Abbie Cornish lying dead in a Jovani Navy Mermaid Ball Gown($3500) and her dead fish stare. But here, it'll fit.
All in all, a film where all the characters are so vapid and uninterested that you don't feel sympathetic for the protagonists, villain or the ghosts and wish they could somehow have this final epic battle scene where everybody kills everybody off. You could nap in the sofa till then, the music will wake you up. With that final shot of Abbie Cornish lying dead in a Jovani Navy Mermaid Ball Gown($3500) and her dead fish stare. But here, it'll fit.
Single use movie.
eahoulie22 November 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I'm not a huge fan of the slow burn. No, I don't need explosions, but if a film gets any slower than 'Ex Machina' I feel as if we're stretching a short film into a feature. This film is slow, very slow, just when we think we're getting somewhere the lead "doesn't remember" or "doesn't know why..." and after two steps forward, we take a step back. However, this isn't a bad film. The reveal at the end is worth the wait and will leave you saying (in a good way) "What the hell no!".
The lead is the lone survivor of her family's massacre. In order to protect her from what she knows, her brain gives her amnesia. She's somewhat trapped in a childlike state, which if you look at her that way she's less annoying. I can't say the same for her daughter, who was incredibly annoying with no redeeming quality. The husband's also a bit of a dud and very unsupportive as his wife tries to sort out some pretty tragic stuff in her mis-firing brain.
Her mind plays tricks on her. She sees things that aren't there and has an imaginary psychologist in the image of her dead father. Her dead sister also shows up. There's the weak "we can't let you leave" statement given by the dead sister, which is misleading. The living daughter also sees the dead sister for no other reason than, it's spooky, I guess. There are quite a few vague things that might leave you feeling like "come on already explain this crap, movie."
I don't understand all these reviewers with 'unanswered questions' who 'never figure out what's going on'. The movie does a great job explaining itself, and it's really quite simple.
It's the kind of movie to throw on while your knitting, clipping coupons... or scrapbooking or doing something else to fill in the huge gaps when nothing really is going on.
Not Bad, Not Great
karma-082183 June 2018
Lavender has a fairly interesting, though not entirely unique premise. While it tries to create an eerie atmosphere and engaging story, it just kind of misses the mark. Nothing is particularly terrible about it. The story resolves neatly and there are a few effective scary moments. It's just not very memorable. I personally didn't find the acting very impressive and just felt bored at moments. The reveal at the end was unexpected, but not all that satisfying.
If you're considering checking out the movie, it's worth a casual watch.
If you're considering checking out the movie, it's worth a casual watch.
Ignore Bad Reviews - This is a Good Story and Entertaining Thriller/Mystery
sanclan7 May 2017
I don't understand the bad reviews. The one that first came up said the movie was slow and boring. It is for only about 10-15 minutes, but then the story picks up and it is a very good story. The eeriness is a key element of this movie and it is a true mystery. We all enjoyed it very much and would highly recommend it if you enjoy psychological thrillers.
A Surprisingly Good Movie
acobblove5 March 2019
I'm honestly surprised this movie has such a low rating. It's not the best I have ever seen, but it's pretty good. There is a plot twist that I didn't see coming and the main actress played her character really well.
I would recommend this if you like psychological movies that has the climax towards the end.
I would recommend this if you like psychological movies that has the climax towards the end.
it could have been worse.
chrislesmckis21 April 2017
I've seen worse movies. I actually appreciated how artistically appealing this movie was. People are complaining that this movie wasn't interesting enough, but you have to realize that the top grossing movies in the world are fast and the furious and transformer franchises, so i wish there was some context in their reviews. I personally felt that this movie could have been better, but It definitely didn't deserve a 1 star rating.
A horrendous mess
jtindahouse5 February 2017
Warning: Spoilers
There wasn't a whole lot to like about 'Lavender'. The story was bland, the cast was mundane and the endless attempts to create a creepy and tense atmosphere failed miserably. Let's start with the story. In a way there really isn't one because we the audience never actually know what is going on. Things keep happening, but we have no idea why. There's no mystery for us to solve or plot for us to figure out along with the characters, because nothing is ever explained to us. All we know is that a mass murder happened in a house 20 years ago. For a thriller/mystery to work the audience needs to be seeing things with more clarity than the characters. They don't need the answers, just the problem put clearly in front of them. That does not happen here.
Then there's the cast. It would have to be said that Abbie Cornish can not carry a film in the lead role. There are two ways to make it in Hollywood. Either be incredibly beautiful, or be a hell of an actress. Some can manage both, Cornish can manage neither. I'm not sure how Justin Long got roped into being in this either. I thought he was above roles like this, but apparently not. Also Lola Flanery, one of the main child actresses in the film, was distractingly bad. Generally, child actors and actresses these days are of a much higher standard than they used to be. Flanery though needs to keep working on her trade.
Then there's the endless hallucinations the audience has to put up with. Hallucinations are only a minor step up from dream sequences. I understand it was part of the story (in a way), but when your film constantly relies on showing the audience things that are likely going to turn out to be nothing of importance, it's not a good sign. Even if the film does later clarify that they were more important than they were first understood to be, they were still incredibly annoying for the first 80 minutes of run time whilst we still thought they were nothing.
I think 'Lavender' was really banking on its ending to impress audiences and just hoping that they forgot about all the terrible stuff leading up to that point. Sadly, it's far from impressive enough to achieve that. There are much better thrillers out there than this to see. Watch one of them.
Then there's the cast. It would have to be said that Abbie Cornish can not carry a film in the lead role. There are two ways to make it in Hollywood. Either be incredibly beautiful, or be a hell of an actress. Some can manage both, Cornish can manage neither. I'm not sure how Justin Long got roped into being in this either. I thought he was above roles like this, but apparently not. Also Lola Flanery, one of the main child actresses in the film, was distractingly bad. Generally, child actors and actresses these days are of a much higher standard than they used to be. Flanery though needs to keep working on her trade.
Then there's the endless hallucinations the audience has to put up with. Hallucinations are only a minor step up from dream sequences. I understand it was part of the story (in a way), but when your film constantly relies on showing the audience things that are likely going to turn out to be nothing of importance, it's not a good sign. Even if the film does later clarify that they were more important than they were first understood to be, they were still incredibly annoying for the first 80 minutes of run time whilst we still thought they were nothing.
I think 'Lavender' was really banking on its ending to impress audiences and just hoping that they forgot about all the terrible stuff leading up to that point. Sadly, it's far from impressive enough to achieve that. There are much better thrillers out there than this to see. Watch one of them.
Good but slow!
sammyjo-0129021 June 2019
The storyline was very intriguing. The "revealing" in the end made it to be pretty good. However, the movie was so slow it was difficult to watch. I fell asleep for about 10-15 minutes watching this with my husband and I didn't miss anything. So many moments were just completely unnecessary. It was good, but I'm glad it's over.
A movie that drags on, and on
jhr201229 May 2017
This was painful. I watched the entire thing, fighting sleep throughout. Only the last 20 minutes was interesting. Up until then it's just a string of boring flashbacks. I found myself just hoping they would hurry up and get to the point. To make matters worse, the ending is quite predictable. This one is a Netflix late night special if you are very bored.
slow-burning, well constructed psychological thriller
murfit20 July 2017
This is a slow-burning, well constructed psychological thriller with mystery and supernatural elements. The revelation makes sense, but is not obvious. The acting could have been better, especially on part of the lead actress, but still does the job. The cinematography is beautiful. Other reviewers here seem to have simply picked the wrong film; if you only like action or horror, don't bother with this one.
1.5 hour movie with 15 minutes worth of clips
Laiath7 March 2017
Oh. My. God. If I have ever seen a slow-paced movie, they seem like roller-coasters now. This title is only rivaled by that French joke of a horror movie called They Came Back (100 minutes of my life; gone).
Nothing happened for the first half hour besides the introduction of the characters and the main character living her life in between zoning out to annoying violin (or cello?) tunes for looong seconds. Literally two seconds of Dermot Mulroney and no Justin Long. Just as I was about to turn it off, though, my food arrived so I kept watching. Nothing kept happening for another 15 minutes, but right when I was closing the window for sure this time, a single interesting thing happened that involved Justin Long's character (and I love Justin Long) so I gave it yet another chance.
When there was more empty scenery and zoning out, I just skipped ahead to the revelation part, which wasn't too bad, and then it was finally over. I thanked God and ran here to try and stop others from wasting precious time.
Nothing happened for the first half hour besides the introduction of the characters and the main character living her life in between zoning out to annoying violin (or cello?) tunes for looong seconds. Literally two seconds of Dermot Mulroney and no Justin Long. Just as I was about to turn it off, though, my food arrived so I kept watching. Nothing kept happening for another 15 minutes, but right when I was closing the window for sure this time, a single interesting thing happened that involved Justin Long's character (and I love Justin Long) so I gave it yet another chance.
When there was more empty scenery and zoning out, I just skipped ahead to the revelation part, which wasn't too bad, and then it was finally over. I thanked God and ran here to try and stop others from wasting precious time.
Held back by unlikeable characters.
parry_na4 March 2020
I wonder just how difficult it is to make a juvenile character interesting without also making her the kind of brat you would like to throttle. I'm speaking hypothetically in case anyone is worried I'm encouraging child abuse. But after spending all morning telling her mother how bored she is in her company, little Alice (Lola Flanery) goes on to tell her, "I expect ice cream," and mum Jane (Abbie Cornish) looks on adoringly. To cheer the child up, Jane will then confide little secrets to the girl about how daddy wets the bed when he's drunk too much. So the pecking order is laid down. The brat makes the rules, and when mum gets frustrated, dad - who is well meaning but a bit thick - gets the brunt of it.
It's such a shame, because these characters provide the heart of what is a fairly interesting psychological horror thriller - but if the audience is not allowed to like these people, they don't care what befalls them. And really, little Alice takes every opportunity to test the patience constantly.
It all comes good in the end though (or does it? That would be telling) and through their frightening situations, the characters become seemingly improved. And this story does have some very good moments. How much more involving it would be, though, if the main players had been more likeable from the beginning? 6 out of 10.
It's such a shame, because these characters provide the heart of what is a fairly interesting psychological horror thriller - but if the audience is not allowed to like these people, they don't care what befalls them. And really, little Alice takes every opportunity to test the patience constantly.
It all comes good in the end though (or does it? That would be telling) and through their frightening situations, the characters become seemingly improved. And this story does have some very good moments. How much more involving it would be, though, if the main players had been more likeable from the beginning? 6 out of 10.
I was terrified...how bad this movie was
ilia_skib5 February 2017
Warning: Spoilers
When even the soundtrack in the movie annoys you, it is clear something is horribly wrong. It seems everyone involved in the movie was trying to create something, which failed in every possible area. Characters - boring and un-relatable. Couldn't care less what happens to them. Acting - looking "profoundly" sad all the time does not constitute dramatic acting... Story - I was praying to god (just an expression) that it will not be a banal story about ghosts. I really thought it is possible there will be an interesting twist, but noooo...freakin' ghosts. Oh, and while we are speaking about twists - the cheap "Six Sense" twist "revealing" (like I didn't see it all the way from 1999) that the psychologist was actually a ghost, was so laughable and unnecessary that I almost stopped watching right there. Soundtrack - unusual textures and ambiences, extended techniques on the violin and annoying "sliding" ultra low sounds for 99% of the movie were not only annoying, but simply like having a coffee with 12 spoons of sugar - bad taste. You can not shove "suspense" down the viewers throat all the time when there is no reason for it. It seemed the characters couldn't open the fridge door without the music suggesting "something terrible is going to happen".
So yes, an absolute __________________(are you feeling the suspense?) waste of time.
So yes, an absolute __________________(are you feeling the suspense?) waste of time.
Absolutely loved it - No Spoiler
geneariani19 March 2017
Warning: Spoilers
This was an unsuspected surprise. I did not have much exception about this film and by the end I was surprisingly satisfied by the experience. This is a ghost story that glides on atmospheric buildup and unhurried storytelling. Unlike the current series of horror movies that rely on hyperkinetic scenes to get a jump scare out of the audience, Lavender creates a world of hallucinatory reality. I would not indulge on the story line here but I would brush on number of elements that I really enjoyed about this film
1. Soundtrack, incredible amount of work has gone into creation of this soundstripe. This is an orchestral piece which is composed of many many layers of unique instrumental arrangements. They are quite original and composition really enhances the haunting visuals.
2. Photography, as with the soundtrack, the movie is inhabited with many equally stunning shots that brings out the almost fairy air amidst the horror.
3. Abbe Cornish is clearly in command here. I would say that she carries the movie all on her own. She delivers a multi-layered character performance which is mesmerizing on every scene she is present.
At the end if you like a old fashioned ghost story which has no shortage of talent in every department give Lavender a try
1. Soundtrack, incredible amount of work has gone into creation of this soundstripe. This is an orchestral piece which is composed of many many layers of unique instrumental arrangements. They are quite original and composition really enhances the haunting visuals.
2. Photography, as with the soundtrack, the movie is inhabited with many equally stunning shots that brings out the almost fairy air amidst the horror.
3. Abbe Cornish is clearly in command here. I would say that she carries the movie all on her own. She delivers a multi-layered character performance which is mesmerizing on every scene she is present.
At the end if you like a old fashioned ghost story which has no shortage of talent in every department give Lavender a try
Gass-Lighting Abbie
lucifer_over_tinseltown7 August 2019
Almost a great movie. Yeah, I know, only in horseshoes, hand grenades and scrabble. Still, what could have been if the writing was shored up. If a less callow writer/director took the reins. Gass-Donnelly's métier seems to be serial underwhelming. He's a bit of a Midas in reverse type. I don't know why the unknown ginger beard was cast in a lead role. You have Dermot Mulroney and Justin Long in the cast, at your disposal, why not roll with one of those decent actors in that role? Ginger doesn't even show a believable emotion until the 3/4 mark of the film. And that little daughter actor, geez Louise, she has the voice of a toy keyboard. Listening to a single line out of her is tantamount to aural flagellation. On to the positives, as there are many. Abbie Cornish is phenomenal in this. Her best performance since Candy. She has natural beauty and acting acumen in wild abundance. She reminds me of a young Gena Rowlands in this...without the benefit of brilliant Cassavetes direction. The photography is beautiful, too, for the most part. Makes sense since Cornish has a penchant for taking photos in this role. Pause certain scenes and you have really nice paintings. I loved the attempt at unconventional storytelling, but the writer gave up on it about 3/4s of the way through and provided an idiot's guide. You can get lost in this story. Feel like you have amnesia. The plot holes are kind of like rabbit holes here. They turn you around. In these fugue states you find yourself truly relating to Abbie's character. Sometimes feeling like you are being Gass-lighted with her. Commiserating with her. All in all it is a somewhat noble stab at studying deep trauma. I won't go too deep because I hate spoilers. A good movie that could've been great in more gifted hands. Wonder and frustration in equal measure.
Lavender is as pale as it's namesake
rmbbsnrn25 July 2019
Lavender has the potential to be an interesting, intriguing ghost story, but it never quite hits the mark. Entirely too predictable, if you cannot guess who the villain is you're either not paying attention (who could blame you?) or you've been sheltered from the last 60+ years of thriller/horror stories. To suggest it is Hitchcockesqe is an insult to Alfred, for he would have certainly done more with the script. Overall, the movie is adequate at best but, it is far from the worst and worth watching if you haven't anything better to do. If you are taking off work for an actual sick day, this film is worth watching if for no other reason than it will lull you to sleep.
No, no, no..!
ZA23425 February 2017
Why does Abbie Cornish over-enunciate every single word in this film? Very annoying. And she's also overly styled and made-up in her role. Less make up and a more worn out and 'haunted' look would've made her character and what she's going through more believable and real.
This could have been such an awesome movie with a well written script plus a stronger lead. The dialogues were awkward, at best. Just, no!
But, I did like the setting and the houses, a perfect set-up for a great thriller but again it failed in so many ways: from writing to directing to the whole execution of the film. I was also surprised to see Justin Long in this type of role and film as well.
If you're studying film then watch this to learn how Not to do a film. Otherwise stay away. Yikes.
This could have been such an awesome movie with a well written script plus a stronger lead. The dialogues were awkward, at best. Just, no!
But, I did like the setting and the houses, a perfect set-up for a great thriller but again it failed in so many ways: from writing to directing to the whole execution of the film. I was also surprised to see Justin Long in this type of role and film as well.
If you're studying film then watch this to learn how Not to do a film. Otherwise stay away. Yikes.
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