Vignettes of Terror: a Global Horror Experience

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MOVIE REVIEW
The Profane Exhibit
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Genre: Horror
Year Released: 2013, 2024 Unearthed Films Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 48m
Director(s): Uwe Boll, Ruggero Deodato, Marian Dora, Andrey Iskanov, Ryan Nicholson, Yoshihiro Nishimura, Michael Todd Schneider, Sergio Stivaletti, Nacho Vigalondo, Jeremy Kasten
Writer(s): Scott Swan, David Bond, Carlo Baldacci Carli, Ruggero Deodato, Colin McCracken, Ryan Nicholson, Yoshihiro Nishimura, Paolo Zelati
Cast: Dan Ellis, Monique Parent, Tina Krause, Thomas Goersch, Marta Paganelli, Simplicio De Rosa, Maki Mizui, Haruka Nishimura, Didac Alcaraz, Josep Segui Pujol, Clint Howard, Caroline Williams
Language: English, Italian, German, and Japanese with English subtitles
Where To Watch: available now, order your copy here: www.unearthedfilms.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Embark on an odyssey through the shadowy realms of terror with THE PROFANE EXHIBIT, where ten directors from different corners of the world weave their dark tales into a chilling anthology. This mosaic of horror showcases a variety of chilling narratives, each unique in its delivery and execution. As a collection, THE PROFANE EXHIBIT reflects both the diversity of its creators and the uneven terrain of its content, offering a cinematic journey that is intriguing to any fan of the genre.

Jeremy Kasten sets the stage with "Amouche Bouche," which crafts a collage of disturbing visuals that tantalize and terrify. This opener doesn't just tell a story; it visually ensnares you, setting up the eerie ambiance that threads through the anthology.

Michael Todd Schneider’s "Manna" takes us behind the deceptive façade of a Parisian nightclub, revealing a coven hidden within. What starts as a night out quickly spirals into a nightmare, ensnaring a guest in a horror web.

Yoshihiro Nishimura throws us into the bizarre with "The Hell-Chef," where a seemingly mundane evening in Japan descends into chaos. Blending horror with dark humor, Nishimura concocts a visual feast that might overwhelm those unaccustomed to his eccentric narrative style.

Uwe Boll’s "Basement" strips away the suburban calm, exposing the darkness beneath. Focusing on psychological horror, Boll builds suspense not through gore but through a slow revelation of the ordinary turned extraordinary sinister, demonstrating that true horror often resides in the seemingly mundane.

Ruggero Deodato’s "Bridge" offers a snapshot of despair, capturing a woman's contemplative crisis on a bridge with minimal dialogue and potent visuals. This segment proves that in the world of horror, less can indeed be more, delivering its emotional punch in a brief but memorable runtime.

In "Tophet Quorom," Sergio Stivaletti delves into the arcane with a tale of occult betrayals and dark secrets. Leveraging his mastery of special effects, Stivaletti enhances the narrative with a visual flair that stands out in the anthology, making it a particularly engaging piece.

"Goodwife," by Ryan Nicholson, explores the secret life of violence hidden behind the façade of domestic life. This intense portrayal dives deep into its protagonist's psyche, unearthing the disturbing depths of human depravity hidden behind closed doors.

Marian Dora's "Mors in Tabula" sets its scene in 1930s Germany, where history's darkest moments meet personal tragedy. Dora uses the backdrop of the era to heighten the tension within the unfolding medical emergency, adding layers of depth to the horror on display.

Nacho Vigalondo's "Sins of the Fathers" examines the destructive power of unresolved family conflicts in a confined setting that magnifies every nuance. Vigalondo’s storytelling is subtle and powerful, making this segment one of the more psychologically profound offerings.

Anthony DiBlasi’s "Mother May I" wraps up the anthology. It critiques authoritarian control within an institutional setting. DiBlasi uses the genre to explore and comment on broader societal issues, providing a thoughtful end to the diverse collection.

While THE PROFANE EXHIBIT brings together a panoramic view of global horror, its segments sometimes lack cohesion, even within their message, with some stories resonating more deeply than others. The diversity of directorial voices is a double-edged sword, providing varied artistic expressions that sometimes fail to mesh.

Despite these hiccups, THE PROFANE EXHIBIT is a commendable endeavor pushing traditional horror anthologies' boundaries. It serves as a showcase for the directors' distinct styles and an invitation for viewers to explore the rich tastes of global horror cinema. For those willing to traverse its varied and sometimes uneven terrain, THE PROFANE EXHIBIT offers a unique journey through the art of horror, proving that even in imperfection, there is a significant measure to admire.

Bonus Materials
Audio Commentary by Director Michael Todd Schneider and Producer Amanda Manuel and Ultra Violent Magazine's Art Ettinger
World Premiere Interview
World Premiere Q & A
A Mini Documentary 'Ten Years Later' by Marian Dora
Sergio Stivaletti's Tophet Quorum
Awakened Manna
Tiffany Blem Interviews Michael Todd Schneider
Tiffany Blem Interviews Uwe Boll
Tiffany Blem Interviews Amanda Manuel
Tiffany Blem Interviews Jeremy Kasten
Galleries
Trailer

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[photo courtesy of UNEARTHED FILMS, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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