Wasn't sure how to approach a Russian horror with subtitles but I think it was done very well. Kind of a take on The Ring, which I also liked. It was nice to see a decently made film without dopey teenagers running around causing havoc! Lots of scary moments, the acting was pretty good for a B movie. Very well paced and great atmospheric moments. Would recommend this to any horror fan.
14 Reviews
Not bad for a Russian horror movie.
deloudelouvain26 June 2018
Russian movies... didn't see alot of them and the ones I saw were just not good. But this one is actually okay, especially for a horror movie. It might not be the scariest thing you ever saw but it has some dark vibes in it. The athmosphere is creepy, and the soundtrack is good and that's important if you want a decent horror movie because half of the dark ambiance in horror movies is due to a good soundtrack. I couldn't say much about the actors, because I don't know any of them, but they were all good enough to make this movie believable. Believable in the sense that their acting was good, not in a believable story which is almost never the point with horror movies. I'm glad that I, for once, saw a good Russian movie, and it's a horror movie so that's a bonus. Good enough to watch once.
Once watchable with headphones
rajnot20 June 2018
Russian, but very American.
fedor82 August 2020
Warning: Spoilers
When I saw there was a Russian horror film, I was fairly curious to see it. I'm getting a little fed up with the formulaic persistence of American films, so anything that might stray at least a bit from the recipe might be fun. Plus, it is a very different culture, so how American can it be, right?
Well, the makers didn't stray much from the American formula. This is basically Russians doing an American horror film. BUT, visually the film is better than the vast majority of modern western horror flicks (because it features more than 2-3 colours), AND the film is in Russian, a language I find very interesting to listen to.
The plot is fairly standard: some kids summon a ghost and then a curse lops them off one by one until a curse expert comes to the rescue. The first hour is basically a rehash of the American teen-curse shtick, while the last half-hour surprisingly becomes an exorcism flick.
And what an attractive redhead! Russians at least don't have a need for casting sub-par-looking actresses, at least judging from this film.
Well, the makers didn't stray much from the American formula. This is basically Russians doing an American horror film. BUT, visually the film is better than the vast majority of modern western horror flicks (because it features more than 2-3 colours), AND the film is in Russian, a language I find very interesting to listen to.
The plot is fairly standard: some kids summon a ghost and then a curse lops them off one by one until a curse expert comes to the rescue. The first hour is basically a rehash of the American teen-curse shtick, while the last half-hour surprisingly becomes an exorcism flick.
And what an attractive redhead! Russians at least don't have a need for casting sub-par-looking actresses, at least judging from this film.
Terrible acting and completely unoriginal
marc547718 June 2018
The mom must be the worst actor in Russian history. Her reactions are unbelievably delayed as if no one edited the movie. Her character has no real use in the movie nor any good dialog yet she had a lot of screen time. The doctor was equally bad as was the father. The kids outperformed the adults...
As for the movie, if you are looking for something new, keep walking. This is about the most generic horror flick ever made. You have 1 early teen girl, 1 late teen girl, mom, dad and a guy who once had to deal with the bad ghost. Add in mirror, and possession and I bet 9/10 people can tell us what happens. There are about 3 jump loud scares and that's about it. The ghost design looks like something out of Japanese horror and comes with the obligatory noises that they make, so nothing new there either.
Skip it.
As for the movie, if you are looking for something new, keep walking. This is about the most generic horror flick ever made. You have 1 early teen girl, 1 late teen girl, mom, dad and a guy who once had to deal with the bad ghost. Add in mirror, and possession and I bet 9/10 people can tell us what happens. There are about 3 jump loud scares and that's about it. The ghost design looks like something out of Japanese horror and comes with the obligatory noises that they make, so nothing new there either.
Skip it.
Spooky, scary, and great visuals
paulclaassen20 June 2018
This was actually really spooky. The film has some great visuals and an eerie tone. It is a different take on the haunting/possession genre and quite frankly one I enjoyed immensely. This will no doubt go down as a classic.
Well crafted, very moody, atmospheric Russian Horror with an EXCELLENT soundtrack... Blu-ray: Excellent A:10 V:9
lathe-of-heaven17 February 2017
Let me say this first, even before the opening credits start, the sound design grabs you right away. It is unusually moody and atmospheric, at least it really had that immediate effect on me.
Finding English subtitles for it took a little work, since the Blu-ray is released in Germany and has only German and Russian audio and only German and Russian subtitles, but I found them :)
For me personally, when I watch any films but particularly Horror movies, the thing that really grabs me first and foremost is the tone, mood, and atmosphere. And, let me tell you, this movie has it BIG time! So, if you are like me and you really like that aspect of Horror, you should really like this one. Again, I cannot say enough about the sound design. It is rather dominant and is a large part of the film, but I felt that it added tremendously to the Intensity and Surreal nature of the movie. It isn't aggressive in the sense that it is super harsh or loud, but has a deep, creative, ambient style that genuinely adds to the Suspense of the movie. Some people who may find strong soundtracks intrusive in their Horror films, MIGHT not like it. But, I feel that IF it is done well, it can really add to the feel of the film. It kind of reminds me of Retro Horror movies of the past where soundtracks were more aggressive.
I can't speak for other people, but I personally kind of preferred the German track to the original Russian. I'm probably going to watch the movie again with the Russian track, but for me, I kind of liked the smoother, calmer sound of the German as a counterpoint to the Dread and Suspense of the film. But, that could just be me; since the disc is German you will have a choice. Being in the U.S. and watching foreign films, it didn't detract really from the movie at all. The German was synced quite well with the actors. Now, with some movies that can really make a BIG difference. One Spaghetti Western I had had a German soundtrack. And, try as I might, it sounded really jarring and I just couldn't buy the Spaghetti cowboys speaking German. But, in this case being a Russian film, to me it blended just fine. That will be up to you which language you prefer...
I also really liked the pacing and calmness of this film; it had a very classic feel to it, rather than artificial jump-scares or quick editing being dominant. The acting, considering the age of the actors, was actually done quite well I thought. With nice restraint and believability that you usually do not see so often in modern Horror films.
Since there are SO many different kinds of Horror movies and people have their preferences, I would say that primarily for this film you would have to like the type of Horror movie where atmosphere and mood is emphasized over brutality and gore. There IS some of that here, but this is no Torture Porn film. So, if you are into the 'Action' more so than the Mood for Horror movies, then I'd say you may not care that much for this one. BUT... if you DO really like moody, atmospheric Horror films like I do, then I think there may be a very good chance that you might like this one...
Finding English subtitles for it took a little work, since the Blu-ray is released in Germany and has only German and Russian audio and only German and Russian subtitles, but I found them :)
For me personally, when I watch any films but particularly Horror movies, the thing that really grabs me first and foremost is the tone, mood, and atmosphere. And, let me tell you, this movie has it BIG time! So, if you are like me and you really like that aspect of Horror, you should really like this one. Again, I cannot say enough about the sound design. It is rather dominant and is a large part of the film, but I felt that it added tremendously to the Intensity and Surreal nature of the movie. It isn't aggressive in the sense that it is super harsh or loud, but has a deep, creative, ambient style that genuinely adds to the Suspense of the movie. Some people who may find strong soundtracks intrusive in their Horror films, MIGHT not like it. But, I feel that IF it is done well, it can really add to the feel of the film. It kind of reminds me of Retro Horror movies of the past where soundtracks were more aggressive.
I can't speak for other people, but I personally kind of preferred the German track to the original Russian. I'm probably going to watch the movie again with the Russian track, but for me, I kind of liked the smoother, calmer sound of the German as a counterpoint to the Dread and Suspense of the film. But, that could just be me; since the disc is German you will have a choice. Being in the U.S. and watching foreign films, it didn't detract really from the movie at all. The German was synced quite well with the actors. Now, with some movies that can really make a BIG difference. One Spaghetti Western I had had a German soundtrack. And, try as I might, it sounded really jarring and I just couldn't buy the Spaghetti cowboys speaking German. But, in this case being a Russian film, to me it blended just fine. That will be up to you which language you prefer...
I also really liked the pacing and calmness of this film; it had a very classic feel to it, rather than artificial jump-scares or quick editing being dominant. The acting, considering the age of the actors, was actually done quite well I thought. With nice restraint and believability that you usually do not see so often in modern Horror films.
Since there are SO many different kinds of Horror movies and people have their preferences, I would say that primarily for this film you would have to like the type of Horror movie where atmosphere and mood is emphasized over brutality and gore. There IS some of that here, but this is no Torture Porn film. So, if you are into the 'Action' more so than the Mood for Horror movies, then I'd say you may not care that much for this one. BUT... if you DO really like moody, atmospheric Horror films like I do, then I think there may be a very good chance that you might like this one...
There are words you mustn't say in front of a mirror
nogodnomasters21 August 2017
Warning: Spoilers
In the very first scene Anya summons the Queen Of Spades, the Russian equivalent of a Bloody Mary minus the vodka. Kids get haircuts and die. When the Bloody Mary aspect of the film gets old, they combine it with an exorcist type film (pick one, they are all about the same) with Vladimir Seleznyov playing the duel role of Zelda Rubinstein and Jason Miller.
The film is Russian with English subtitles. It had some decent cinematography and story line. Was that a butter knife she cut her finger on and tried to stab people with? Also, one more time, a defibrillator can NOT start a stopped heart. It is used to STOP a heart that is fibrillating, hence the name "defibrillator". Kudos for the Russians to work in some obscure 2014 science fact that mice share 70% of their DNA with humans, although I fail to see why an entity would jump into a rodent because of it or even why someone would think that. Where is the major "B" film precedent? I know some of you want to quote Matthew 8:28-34, but that was pigs who share 98% DNA, not a mere 70%. The take away: The human race is mostly rat and nearly all pig.
The film had some slow scenes and I think a black mirror would have worked better for the Queen of Spades with Russian pagan music with off-setting drum beats similar to the ones used in "Red Riding Hood" (2011-Amanda Seyfried). But that is just me. Anya was not too convincing when possessed, even with the funny contacts. Okay to watch when you can sit down and pay attention to the screen, unless you understand Russian.
No swearing, sex, or nudity.
The film is Russian with English subtitles. It had some decent cinematography and story line. Was that a butter knife she cut her finger on and tried to stab people with? Also, one more time, a defibrillator can NOT start a stopped heart. It is used to STOP a heart that is fibrillating, hence the name "defibrillator". Kudos for the Russians to work in some obscure 2014 science fact that mice share 70% of their DNA with humans, although I fail to see why an entity would jump into a rodent because of it or even why someone would think that. Where is the major "B" film precedent? I know some of you want to quote Matthew 8:28-34, but that was pigs who share 98% DNA, not a mere 70%. The take away: The human race is mostly rat and nearly all pig.
The film had some slow scenes and I think a black mirror would have worked better for the Queen of Spades with Russian pagan music with off-setting drum beats similar to the ones used in "Red Riding Hood" (2011-Amanda Seyfried). But that is just me. Anya was not too convincing when possessed, even with the funny contacts. Okay to watch when you can sit down and pay attention to the screen, unless you understand Russian.
No swearing, sex, or nudity.
dark, gloomy and unique, definately worth a watch
garybenade23 June 2018
I went into this movie with no preconceptions and I came out satisfied. This is a foreign movie, with subtitles, but this gives it more character and in my opinion adds to the overall unique experience. I watched this with my 13 year old son and he was engaged the whole way through. The plot is tried and tested and nothing new but it is well played out with enough good twists in the plot to keep it interesting and the scares are not overdone or predictable. The epic aerial shots of the snow covered building somewhere in Russia are breathtaking and chilling and add to the uneasy cold gloomy feel that this movie maintains from the first scene. The acting is fresh and authentic and the characters are well cast and presented and are captivating and genuinely likeable, there is a authentic feel to this movie that a Hollywood blockbuster could never achieve. I absolutely loved every second of this movie and will definitely watch it again
Good film.
paulamccourt12315 May 2020
Dont let subtitles put you off watching this.
I'm fussy when it comes to horror movies and I can honestly say I was impressed with this one. Had a good storyline and had eerie moments. Definitely would give subbed horrors more of a chance!
I wasn't sure? But glad I watched
gzm58620 April 2018
Russian Queen
kosmasp16 October 2020
Russian horror movies have really become quite good. This I would not categorize as really good, but it is decent enough. It does copy what the US is doing in general, with its cliches and all that. The monster looks quite alright (if you don't mind obvious CGI).
The story is predictable though, the characters behave mostly exactly how you'd suspect them to do (not always on the logic side of reason). But if you don't mind that, there is some entertainment to be had and some nice killings to watch (remember, it is just a movie)
The story is predictable though, the characters behave mostly exactly how you'd suspect them to do (not always on the logic side of reason). But if you don't mind that, there is some entertainment to be had and some nice killings to watch (remember, it is just a movie)
A little like the Ring but Russians know what's scary!
bznznoneya31 October 2018
French
onewhisper-4665024 March 2019
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