Haunting Visuals Stir Profound Emotions

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MOVIE REVIEW
The Severing
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Genre: Drama, Experimental, Horror
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 10m
Director(s): Mark Pellington
Cast: Maija Knapp, Ryan Spencer, Blake Miller, Allison Fletcher
Where To Watch: now available here www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: I must start with the most basic realizations regarding any art form. If this isn’t your cup of tea, it just won’t be; there’s little middle ground here. While the over-the-top experimental arthouse-style film isn’t really for me, I can see the skill and craft that went into creating this film. I can also sit back and appreciate what I just watched; the time and effort put into this creation deserve respect. That’s why despite what some may say, I landed on the two-and-a-half star rating. That’s the definition of a film I didn’t love but didn’t hate. After watching this, I can say that you'll probably love it if this is something up your alley.

Enter stage left; Director Mark Pellington, a seasoned filmmaker, is well-versed in stirring emotions on screen. Best known for his work on THE MOTHMAN PROPHECIES, he now presents us with a rhythmic visual spectacle, THE SEVERING. Alongside him, an ensemble cast of professionals, including cinematographer Evelin Van Rei, editor Sergio Pinheiro, and the imaginative dance maestro choreographer Nina McNeely. United, they orchestrate a deeply affecting portrayal of human emotions fused in the harmony of dance with the rest of the crew and dancers on screen.

THE SEVERING plunges us into the depths of the human psyche, revealing the profound impact of grief. The dancers take center stage, their performances bursting with expressive eloquence, as they navigate the spectrum of fear, loneliness, loss, and the potential for reconnecting. Pellington's endeavor presents a web of choreographic storytelling rich in hidden meanings and layered subtexts. They are examining the shadowy abyss of grief, shedding light on its impact, not only emotionally but physically. Like archaeologists uncovering relics from ruins, the dancers embody the various stages of grief, their performances echoing the timeless pain frozen in the ruins of that ancient city.

The film's narrative navigates the audience through a realm suspended between reality and dream, populated by semi-nude bodies engaged in guttural dance. Under the mingling shades of black and mauve, they contort and twist in a defined stage, drawing parallels to a 'fourth dimension.' As the narrative unfolds, the rhythm is punctuated by fragmented pieces of text, contributing to the feeling of disquiet.

In THE SEVERING, Pellington and his crew daringly step off the beaten track of traditional storytelling, opting for a more abstract route. His rich experience in the Hollywood film industry has taught him that traditional narratives often fail to fully embrace the broad spectrum of human emotions. The film creates a palpable distance between the viewer and the narrative, a move that could be perceived as intentional to make the impact greater.

Under McNeely's leadership, the choreography becomes an integral narrative layer, sprinkling the film with visual metaphors. While calling this a “horror” film may be a stretch, I could also see where some people may be overwhelmed by the simple yet powerful visuals and makeup the film features.

THE SEVERING invites the audience into a dance with grief; the dance becomes a voice for the unbearable burden of suffering, the oppressive loneliness, and the loud void of loss. Despite its ambitious reach and occasional stumbles, the film remains a bold artistic endeavor, transforming the intensely personal experience of grief into a shared cinematic journey.

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]