Let's get straight to the point: the plot doesn't really make much sense and there are some hinted subplots that never get really explained or explored. But!!! It's incredibly atmospheric and the setting (WWI rural Hungary) is original and refreshing. I definitely suggest horror lovers to give it a chance because it's not your average "Saturday horror movie".
35 Reviews
Hungarian horror
SnoopyStyle11 February 2023
It's WWI. Tomás barely survives the trenches and almost left for dead in a mass grave. He ends up photographing the dead posed with the living in family portraits. A little orphan named Anna recruits him to visit her village. He had seen her in a vision. There are many dead haunting the place.
I like the use of some physical effects. I find them adorable. It has an endearing indie charm. As a horror, it's not scary. It's like an old fashion ghost story. I like the photography premise although it could use some more poetry. The back story needs some work. This is a good simple old style horror.
I like the use of some physical effects. I find them adorable. It has an endearing indie charm. As a horror, it's not scary. It's like an old fashion ghost story. I like the photography premise although it could use some more poetry. The back story needs some work. This is a good simple old style horror.
Hungarian Ryan Reynolds Observes Ghosts
pc958 July 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Sometimes hokey and with a poor narrative, director Bergendy has found a striking look for his ghost-filled story including central characters both with near death expereinces explained in the story.
What does it all mean? Not sure, but some of the visuals almost make up for half-baked narrative that wanders aimlessly throughout its ovrerlong runtime. This is no "Others" in story arc, but it isn't trying to be either. The haunts are trying to find rest but cannot. There is a bit of a romance started that doesn't quite get off the ground. I liked the movie's finale, but it needed editing to cut some of the bloat in redundant scenes and stronger dialog. 6/10.
What does it all mean? Not sure, but some of the visuals almost make up for half-baked narrative that wanders aimlessly throughout its ovrerlong runtime. This is no "Others" in story arc, but it isn't trying to be either. The haunts are trying to find rest but cannot. There is a bit of a romance started that doesn't quite get off the ground. I liked the movie's finale, but it needed editing to cut some of the bloat in redundant scenes and stronger dialog. 6/10.
Ridiculous.
csandaeniko15 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This review almost only consists of spoilers. Read with caution.
This movie is worth watching from a Hungarians perspective because you just understand how bad the acting is.
No one can really act in this movie except for one person, and that's the dying lady the little girl is taking care of.
The little girl was so shy she was smiling the whole time and could only keep one facial expression. Her behaviour is pretty understandable considering how uncomfortable I found myself seeing the protagonist being obsessed with her. He constantly smirks towards her way, always wants to be with her, and takes her in the end. A woman who has known this little girl her whole life gives her to a grown man he has only met around a week ago.
The film has a whole bunch of jumpscares, which are cheap tricks. In my opinion, a good horror plays with your psyche. They tried to play that card too but not so successfully. The only 2 good moments were the lady in the wall burnt alive and the sculpture group made out of corpses.
The storyline has soooo many plot holes and the script is ridiculous.
My favorite examples:
---------------------------
--------------------------- *protagonist and little girl go up to the cemetary of the village on a local hill* *protagonist sits down to smoke while the little girl starts reading out the names of the people buried there* Little girl: - I used to smoke here.
Protagonist: How did you get cigarettes?
LG: - A friend stole them. Okay I gotta go bye!
No, the people mentioned in this scene are not coming back. No, the cigarette does not come back even as a symbol anywhere. This scene made absolutely zero sense.
--------------------------- Towards the end around 2 people start telling the photographer to go away, but 3 minutes later he somehow figures out the demons are not leaving because they need a soul to accompany them to the otherworld (how did he figure that out?) and suddenly no one has trouble following his instructions, everyone trusts him and his plan.
--------------------------- The flour sacks don't have a big role in the film, they are just... There. The trailer implies that the people are weird in the village, no, they are not. The trailer makes this movie so much scarier and better than it actually is.
--------------------------- There are so many funny scenes you will only believe it if you watch the movie. It makes no sense. So bad it is funny. Don't pay a penny for it, but watch it once in this life. Guaranteed laugther.
This movie is worth watching from a Hungarians perspective because you just understand how bad the acting is.
No one can really act in this movie except for one person, and that's the dying lady the little girl is taking care of.
The little girl was so shy she was smiling the whole time and could only keep one facial expression. Her behaviour is pretty understandable considering how uncomfortable I found myself seeing the protagonist being obsessed with her. He constantly smirks towards her way, always wants to be with her, and takes her in the end. A woman who has known this little girl her whole life gives her to a grown man he has only met around a week ago.
The film has a whole bunch of jumpscares, which are cheap tricks. In my opinion, a good horror plays with your psyche. They tried to play that card too but not so successfully. The only 2 good moments were the lady in the wall burnt alive and the sculpture group made out of corpses.
The storyline has soooo many plot holes and the script is ridiculous.
My favorite examples:
- Did you come back because of me?
- Yes, because of you.
- Good.
---------------------------
- You shouldn't have come here! This is because of us!
- How?
- I don't know!
--------------------------- *protagonist and little girl go up to the cemetary of the village on a local hill* *protagonist sits down to smoke while the little girl starts reading out the names of the people buried there* Little girl: - I used to smoke here.
Protagonist: How did you get cigarettes?
LG: - A friend stole them. Okay I gotta go bye!
No, the people mentioned in this scene are not coming back. No, the cigarette does not come back even as a symbol anywhere. This scene made absolutely zero sense.
--------------------------- Towards the end around 2 people start telling the photographer to go away, but 3 minutes later he somehow figures out the demons are not leaving because they need a soul to accompany them to the otherworld (how did he figure that out?) and suddenly no one has trouble following his instructions, everyone trusts him and his plan.
--------------------------- The flour sacks don't have a big role in the film, they are just... There. The trailer implies that the people are weird in the village, no, they are not. The trailer makes this movie so much scarier and better than it actually is.
--------------------------- There are so many funny scenes you will only believe it if you watch the movie. It makes no sense. So bad it is funny. Don't pay a penny for it, but watch it once in this life. Guaranteed laugther.
A decent thriller
JobsBronson26 June 2021
The Hungarian thriller is not bad. In a time of such shortage of non-progressive movies, a good movie is a preciousness, climbs the concept for "great."
It is a thriller with horror and mystery biases, perfectly decent - it is possible to watch it with the children present in the room. Good photography, empathic characters, good decoration of scenarios and clothing characteristics of the time (early twentieth century). The film leaves to desire in the originality and, also, in the ending of the story. As for the latter, I recognize to be something that few filmmakers know how to do.
Who likes Thriller, will not regret watching it.
It is a thriller with horror and mystery biases, perfectly decent - it is possible to watch it with the children present in the room. Good photography, empathic characters, good decoration of scenarios and clothing characteristics of the time (early twentieth century). The film leaves to desire in the originality and, also, in the ending of the story. As for the latter, I recognize to be something that few filmmakers know how to do.
Who likes Thriller, will not regret watching it.
I should like this, but unfortunately don't
valtiel-402361 November 2021
As a Hungarian I should like this movie, but unfortunately I don't. It's tasteless, full of really bad jumpscares, the plot has more hole than I could count. The two main characters are hilariously bad actors, especially the little girl. She held the same expression throughout the whole movie and she talked like someone who just happened to wonder into the set by accident. She was beautiful and that's it. They put every single cliche known to mankind into the story, people convulsing left and right, but in a funny way, screaming corpses and loud, totally unnecessary noises every five minutes. I suggest save your time and watch some good horror movie instead. There are lot of fan made videos on youtube in far better quality with better amateur actors.
Hungarian movie of good quality
Chinesevil7 November 2021
Confusing
atractiveeyes23 November 2021
Hungry's official entry to 2022's Oscars is an okay horror. It has a beautiful gothic atmosphere. Production design is nice. But the story is stupid and ridiculous. Screenplay is messy and confusing as well. It's a well made movie with a nonsense plot.
Disturbing relationship
berkley-4173510 September 2023
First time watching this film and it's a bit disturbing. Many hints leading to the conclusion that Tomas was in love with Anna at first sight. For a town that went to church even after the priest died they sure saw nothing wrong with the relationship. This movie has the setting of early 1900s I don't believe this was ok even then. Let's go to the end. Why were they positioned on that horse in that manner. Seems to me that was the final "now do you get it moment". Why would a grown man sit behind a young girl on a horse. Seems to me like they are trying to normalize the perversion that is happening in this world.
Good movie based on souvunir photo with dead Bodies !
hbkhhhor8 January 2022
As an huge fan of Horror genre I have not yet seen a movie based on the subject of "Death Body Photographer" & Spanish flue I found this a good movie on this subject , well executed except poor Visual effect of ghosts however the dead bodies Are well executed .
I wanted to like Post Mortem but...
nwcmpypd26 January 2022
Bad acting, plot holes and outdated jump scares - all these have been covered in earlier reviews and rightly so. The actors are struggling to play whatever part they were assigned to, they wear costumes and clothes that are simply too clean and tidy for peasants, especially after WWI, amidst the Spanish Flu pandemic. The protagonist's hairdo is way too from the 21st century.... all these take this horror into laughter-territory, bogus land, you name it. And there's the super artificial setting, the Szentendre Skanzen, a museum-site with some old village houses transported to the Skanzen from all corners of the country, representing different architectural styles and periods... while watching Post Mortem
I couldn't but remember the times when I took my kids to the Skanzen and we had so much fun, etc. Well, this is the only such place in Hungary so what could the filmmakers possibly do when they need d a 100+ year old village? The problem with making period-piece movies is that the period setting, costumes, hairdos, etc. Must be period-correct. Had it been up to me, I'd have taken the production to Transylvania, Romania,full of very old, authentic and intact villages. That alone would have made the film somewhat better.
And this Hungary's nomination for this year's Oscar. That's a joke, like the entire movie. We can so much better but this time we failed. In the name of cast and crew, I apologize to you all.
And this Hungary's nomination for this year's Oscar. That's a joke, like the entire movie. We can so much better but this time we failed. In the name of cast and crew, I apologize to you all.
The Spanish Lady Stalks The Land
Pairic24 October 2021
Post Mortem: Hungarian horror flick set in 1919 during the Spanish Flu pandemic. Thomas (Viktor Klem) is a post mortem photographer, often snapping the dead with their loved ones. He is with a travelling fair when a young girl, Anna (Fruzsina Hais) asks him to travel to her village to photograph the dead. He only agrees because Anna looks just like a girl he saw in a vision when he was wounded during WW1. The village is gloomy, some residents wear flour sacks over their heads "to fend off the Flu", the dead are stored in a barn, partially frozen due to the Winter cold. Strange events ensue, he hears running on the roof, as he sets up the dead to be photographed we see them move and weep. Shadows appear in the images he develops. He sets out to solve the mystery with the help of Anna who seems wise beyond her years. The spirits which infest the town are noisy ghosts indeed, Poltergeist effects occur, ranging from moving objects to levitation and killings. Only real Zombie but he appears in a terrifying scene. Great performances by Klem and Hais, with an eerie village and an atmosphere which captures the dread and despair of the time when the Spanish Lady stalked the world. Directed & Co-Written by Péter Bergendy. 8/10.
Great hungarian horror
headersgroup25 November 2021
First half of the movie was really great, enjoying and scary. The second was poorer. Some bad acting and worse effects had to be cut and it would be more much better. Generally i really liked the film and we are looking for more movies like this.
It was very funny
mynameandris30 October 2021
It shouldn't be, but I had a good laugh, very entertaining. Unfortunately, it is supposed to be a horror flick, but when you literally have a random scare every 2 minutes, it comes out more comical than anything. Like after halfway through, there is nowhere else to elevate whats happening. Looks pretty tho.
Not sure what all the dislike is for...
fatamorgana-4020825 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I'm confused about the hate for this film. It's dark, creepy, and atmospheric. They clearly put a bunch of money into the budget and used it very well. It may be a bit cliched and predictable at times, but the movie serves its purpose.
It tells the story of a man who photographs the dead for loved ones to have a keepsake of them. The photographer goes to a town infested by ghosts and with the help of a little girl they figure out how to rid the town of the restless spirits.
It's not terrible... Are people really disappointed a twelve-year old child actor wasn't as good as Meryl Streep? The lead actor didn't have the same acting chops as Daniel Day Lewis? What are people's expectations going into this?
I have no idea. It's a silly ghost story, ridiculous in its very premise like every single ghost movie ever made. Ghosts aren't real!!
But there are a hundred other worse ghost-story movies than this, I promise you that... I've watched em... this isn't that bad.
It tells the story of a man who photographs the dead for loved ones to have a keepsake of them. The photographer goes to a town infested by ghosts and with the help of a little girl they figure out how to rid the town of the restless spirits.
It's not terrible... Are people really disappointed a twelve-year old child actor wasn't as good as Meryl Streep? The lead actor didn't have the same acting chops as Daniel Day Lewis? What are people's expectations going into this?
I have no idea. It's a silly ghost story, ridiculous in its very premise like every single ghost movie ever made. Ghosts aren't real!!
But there are a hundred other worse ghost-story movies than this, I promise you that... I've watched em... this isn't that bad.
I wanted to like it...
decsi-kiss-dorka4 August 2022
Acting was sooooo bad, especially of the main characters... The little girl could not speak properly, and kept smiling and enjoying her time on set.
There are also too many plot holes and simply nothing works in this movie...
There are also too many plot holes and simply nothing works in this movie...
Good
cpnwatson28 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Minimal spoiler.
One of my favorite things about the movie is the atmosphere. It is a really well prepared atmosphere. Even though the subject seems familiar, it has gained a different plot and story with minor differences. There are gaps in the plot, the acting isn't great, but it didn't make me feel any shortcomings. That's why I watched every minute of it with pleasure.
Places I dislike:
Maybe there could be more and deeper dialogues with the villagers.
The dead scenes could have been longer because they were really beautiful.
My favorite places:
The white building with dead people towards the end of the movie.
Scenes where the dead are photographed and the dead.
Atmosphere.
It's a good thriller. It's better than all the cheap killer victim chase movies so I recommend you watch it.
One of my favorite things about the movie is the atmosphere. It is a really well prepared atmosphere. Even though the subject seems familiar, it has gained a different plot and story with minor differences. There are gaps in the plot, the acting isn't great, but it didn't make me feel any shortcomings. That's why I watched every minute of it with pleasure.
Places I dislike:
Maybe there could be more and deeper dialogues with the villagers.
The dead scenes could have been longer because they were really beautiful.
My favorite places:
The white building with dead people towards the end of the movie.
Scenes where the dead are photographed and the dead.
Atmosphere.
It's a good thriller. It's better than all the cheap killer victim chase movies so I recommend you watch it.
Two hours of ghosts harassing, seizing and dismembering witless people...
davijieienne16 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
...and nobody even thinks about seeking the help of a professional exorcist. The village's priest is dead (or to say it more clearly, undead by now) but none of the villagers tries to find another one.
They instead decide to call a photograper. Yess, winning choice! :-D
Do you really want to spend more than an hour watching undead harming, drowning, dragging about, smashing into ceilings helpless people who have no idea about how to defend themselves?
Because that's the most of what you'll get from this contentless movie.
The story starts with very few ideas, none of them original, none of them developed in a non-existing storyline, which is: "In a village VERY infested by ghosts (and a few walking deads) a photographer able to can catch the ghosts in his photos struggles to find out how to use this ability to save the villagers, or to drive away the ghosts, but all of his attempts miserably fail"
*** spoilers ***
Then the closing credits go.
Somebody please drop a call to the Winchesters (from Supernatural), they would have solved such an obvious (and boring) case of infestation in a couple hours, tops :-)
They instead decide to call a photograper. Yess, winning choice! :-D
Do you really want to spend more than an hour watching undead harming, drowning, dragging about, smashing into ceilings helpless people who have no idea about how to defend themselves?
Because that's the most of what you'll get from this contentless movie.
The story starts with very few ideas, none of them original, none of them developed in a non-existing storyline, which is: "In a village VERY infested by ghosts (and a few walking deads) a photographer able to can catch the ghosts in his photos struggles to find out how to use this ability to save the villagers, or to drive away the ghosts, but all of his attempts miserably fail"
*** spoilers ***
Then the closing credits go.
Somebody please drop a call to the Winchesters (from Supernatural), they would have solved such an obvious (and boring) case of infestation in a couple hours, tops :-)
I feel uncomfortable
bartalosl22 January 2022
This movie is so bad. No ghosts or daemon is mor horrible than the bad story telling, ultra bad acting. The atmosphere is so unbalanced. The cinematography is good, but can't save this awful film.
If you can, run away and don't watch this movie. Save your money and time.
If you can, run away and don't watch this movie. Save your money and time.
Atmospheric ghost story
paolozavatta5 November 2020
Saw this film at the Science plus Fiction festival of Trieste.
I really loved it. The story and pacing are good. The historical setting is very well done and immerse the viewer in the era and location, the supernatural element has a nice crescendo, it reminded me of a good ghost story around a fire that people would narrate to others during a long winter night.
The atmosphere is palpable.
The two main actors (the young girl and the photograper) were phenomenal.
I would suggest to do not miss this one if you like good ghost stories.
Insanely bad
itsmilenabee16 September 2023
This movie is a mockery. Awful acting, awful CGI, story is all over the place with no rhyme or reason to any of it, every conversation and interaction is awkward and forced, I don't understand how this got any reviews over 2/10. The attempted jumpscares are the lamest I've ever seen in my life and that's saying a lot since I watch every bad horror movie. It's not even that they aren't scary, you just sit there scratching your head like "huh? What was that?".
I feel bad for even mentioning Haneke's masterpiece in the same context as this pile of poop, but if you feel like your IQ is above 70, go watch The White Ribbon instead.
I feel bad for even mentioning Haneke's masterpiece in the same context as this pile of poop, but if you feel like your IQ is above 70, go watch The White Ribbon instead.
Too Many Ghosts
EdgarST28 August 2021
5 points for the candor, ingenuity, unintentional humor, and some original ideas in the storyline (including a bit of pedophilia). Otherwise, it is an accumulation of hysterical set pieces with peasants screaming for the evil done by some mean ghosts (to music and sound effects derivative of one bad horror film produced in Los Angeles), and solutions that do not work. And too many minutes of your life in which you could have done something better than watch this overlong movie.
Unimaginative movie
mattheweillings22 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Lots of unimaginative jump scares, cliches, and horror movie tropes. Plot holes are aplenty. The idea on which the story is based is interesting but under exploited. Bad direction seems to be a culprit too : there are many moments where some crowd actors seem to have no idea what is going on. Some unfortunate CGI despite some better practical effects.
The real question though is why Tomas, a grown 35 year old man, is obsessed with a 10-years old girl that he even describes as "a beauty"? It is extremely weird, creepy and uncomfortable seeing this grown man following a young girl he does not even know everywhere, touch her repeatedly, hug her and squeeze her tight in several scenes. The actress looked pretty uncomfortable too. That was a weird idea. Why wouldn't Toma have a normal love interest his age ?
The real question though is why Tomas, a grown 35 year old man, is obsessed with a 10-years old girl that he even describes as "a beauty"? It is extremely weird, creepy and uncomfortable seeing this grown man following a young girl he does not even know everywhere, touch her repeatedly, hug her and squeeze her tight in several scenes. The actress looked pretty uncomfortable too. That was a weird idea. Why wouldn't Toma have a normal love interest his age ?
Awful horror movie which is a shame
holdendani19 December 2022
It's a shame, because as a Hungarian horror fan and photographer, I was so pumped to hear they make a horror movie based on post mortem images set in Hungary. I wanted to like it...but: apart from the interesting story base, it was horribly written. Bad acting especially from the young girl, she was plain awful, but adult actors also sucked. VFX was criminal. Directing, cutting, screenwriting, camera work...all way below average. The plot and the movie starts decent, but around 30min it starts making less and less sense. And when the screenplay brokes into pieces the acting does too. The pace of the movie is everywhere, it doesn't elevate the stress just makes very little sense. And the end is a huge clusterf&$ck. It's among the 3 worst ending like ever. And please...for the love of God...use some sliders for the camera. It has ton of involuntary camera movement that doesn't give anything just bad camera handling.
Gave it a 2/10 because it's the first contemporary Hungarian horror and costumes and the scene was done well but every other stuff that makes a movie watchable was messed up It's sad, because it could've been a good movie.
Gave it a 2/10 because it's the first contemporary Hungarian horror and costumes and the scene was done well but every other stuff that makes a movie watchable was messed up It's sad, because it could've been a good movie.
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