Haunting Melody Sets Tone for Mystery

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MOVIE REVIEW
Lizzie Lazarus
–

Genre: Drama, Horror, Thriller
Year Released: 2024, 2025
Runtime: 1h 31m
Director(s): Aviv Rubinstien
Writer(s): Aviv Rubinstien
Cast: Omar Maskati, Lianne O'Shea, Megan Oesterreich, Zach Shea
Where To Watch: the film will stream exclusively on SCREAMBOX on January 14, 2025

RAVING REVIEW: I wanted, no, I needed this to be a musical! (note to Hollywood: PLEASE do this!) That opening shot was absolute perfection, and I would dare say it would have been a 5 out of 5 if it had been! Right from the start, LIZZIE LAZARUS invites its audience into a shadow-laden forest that’s more than just a setting—it's a canvas where humor and poignant emotion paint a complex tale. Directed by Aviv Rubinstein, this 90-minute journey ingeniously transforms a straightforward premise into a compelling exploration of grief, unveiling secrets and the extreme measures one might endure for closure.

As we follow Bethany and Eli through the woods, their quest to resurrect Lizzie brings their deepest fears and conflicts to the forefront. This somber adventure is as much about battling personal demons as confronting actual demons. The forest, almost a character, mirrors their turmoil and the secrets they uncover about their bonds with Lizzie.

The film’s dialogue-rich script is its cornerstone, enabling a dive into the characters' psyches. This choice could have backfired, but it pays off, providing authenticity to the character's evolution. Lianne O’Shea and Omar Maskati's performances are nuanced. They bring Bethany and Eli's complexities to life with an intensity that rivals any physical action on screen. Their evolving conversations drive the narrative forward, blending intellectual engagement with visual storytelling.

LIZZIE LAZARUS departs from typical horror tropes by prioritizing the psychological over straightforward scares. The minimalistic yet effective use of lighting and sound design crafts an atmosphere thick with suspense, where each shadow and echo builds the haunting ambiance. While the resurrection plot is central, it is more a means of exploring themes of grief and trauma, presenting these journeys against a backdrop of supernatural intrigue.

Despite its strengths, the film isn't flawless. Beyond the fact that, unfortunately, it isn’t a musical (sigh.) Its reliance on flashbacks disrupts the flow. While intended to add depth, these sequences sometimes feel more like an interruption, detracting from the otherwise smooth progression toward the film’s morally ambiguous resolution.

LIZZIE LAZARUS is a refreshing entry into the horror genre. It cleverly combines sharp writing with powerful performances, ensnaring viewers in a slow-burn tale that emphasizes emotions over conventional frights. The film suggests that horror stems not from the supernatural but from the depths of human emotions and memories.

The thematic exploits of LIZZIE LAZARUS extend into its exploration of memory and perception. Each character’s recollection and interpretation of Lizzie, who, despite her absence, impacts every scene, adds an overlay to the story. This exploration turns the movie into as much a journey of self-discovery for the characters as it is a quest for the audience.

Straying from the beaten path, LIZZIE LAZARUS stands out for its cerebral approach. It invites viewers to look past surface scares, drawing them into a story woven with character dynamics and complex themes. This film is an excellent pick for those who appreciate a story that marries the thrills of horror with the introspection of a drama, proving that the most profound horrors are those lurking within the human mind.

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[photo courtesy of SCREAMBOX, THAUMATROPE FILMS]

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