MOVIE REVIEW
The Birthday 4K Restoration
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Genre: Comedy, Horror, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Year Released: 2004, 2024 4K
Runtime: 1h 40m
Director(s): Eugenio Mira
Writer(s): Mikel Alvariño, Eugenio Mira
Cast: Corey Feldman, Jack Taylor, Erica Pryor, Rick Merrill, Richard Felix, Dale Douma, Robert Long
Where To Watch: available on demand now

RAVING REVIEW: Once hidden in the depths of cinema's obscure corners, THE BIRTHDAY has made a triumphant return to the limelight, bolstered by the support of industry giants like Elijah Wood, Jason Blum, and particularly Jordan Peele, whose backing reintroduced it at a prestigious screening in New York. Since its debut in 2004 at the Sitges International Film Festival, the film has slowly woven itself into cult classic cinema, attracting a loyal audience eager for films that challenge the status quo.

At the heart of THE BIRTHDAY is Corey Feldman's standout performance as Norman Forrester, casting aside his typical roles for a more profound, more turbulent portrayal. Against the chilling Royal Fulton Hotel backdrop, Norman’s appearance at his girlfriend's father's birthday bash spirals into an unexpected thriller. The hotel, a central figure in its own right, mirrors Norman's internal chaos and the night’s eerie developments.

Director Eugenio Mira navigates the shifts between dark humor and rising terror, initially drawing viewers in with Norman's clumsy social maneuvers that hint at underlying tensions. As the evening progresses, these light-hearted moments give way to a sinister plot centered around a cult with catastrophic ambitions, pushing Norman into the heart of a narrative that cleverly blends genres.

THE BIRTHDAY stands out for its craftsmanship, marked by nods to auteurs like David Lynch and Brian De Palma, yet asserting its innovative identity through Mira’s ambitious vision. Filmed in a genuine abandoned hospital, the setting enhances the suspense, wrapping the audience in a progressively tightening grip of atmospheric tension.

The focus remains tightly bound to Feldman’s portrayal of Norman, capturing every nuance of his psychological unraveling. The camera lingers close, too close for comfort, highlighting his growing isolation and the intense emotional range Feldman brings to his role. This performance solidifies Feldman’s character as the epicenter of the unfolding drama.

As the climax nears, Mira amps the editing pace and sound design to immersive heights, plunging the audience deeper into the narrative whirlpool. The crescendo of sight and sound culminates in a finale that both disorients and enthralls, leaving viewers grappling with the film’s twisted reality.

THE BIRTHDAY embodies the bold spirit of indie filmmaking, exploring new terrains with audacity. Its resurgence revives a film that might have been relegated to oblivion and cements its place as a modern cult favorite. This film particularly resonates with viewers drawn to the melding of horror and absurdity, delivering a unique cinematic experience that is both unsettling and captivating.

In essence, THE BIRTHDAY is a testament to Feldman's formidable ability to anchor a film through its bizarre and captivating scenes. While Mira's directorial debut might lack the gloss of more seasoned filmmakers, it bristles with the raw, untamed energy that marks a significant entry into indie horror. For those who crave films that venture beyond conventional boundaries, THE BIRTHDAY invites us to explore a realm where the bizarre is commonplace and every frame challenges our perceptions.

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[photo courtesy of DRAFTHOUSE FILMS]

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