A Masterful Blend of Suspense and Style

Read Time:4 Minute, 3 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
13 Notes in Red (13 Notes en Rouge) (DVD)
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Genre: Horror
Year Released: 2022, 2024 Redemption Films
Runtime: 1h 15m
Director(s): François Gaillard
Writer(s): Guilhem Sendras, François Gaillard
Cast: Guillaume Beylard, Marine Bohin, Jeanne Dessart, Julien Quaglierini
Language: French with English subtitles
Where To Watch: available September 17, 2024; pre-order your copy here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: In François Gaillard's cinematic venture, 13 NOTES IN RED, the audience is plunged into a chilling world where a night of unsettling mysteries leads to a spine-tingling revelation. Charlotte finds herself amid a horrifying scene, an event that triggers a spiral into a psychological abyss where reality and hallucinations meld. Gaillard's narrative unfolds like a dark journey, rich with complexity and nuanced storytelling that draws the viewer into its depths.

Right off the bat, Gaillard’s signature style takes center stage. 13 NOTES IN RED thrives under his direction, blending razor-sharp editing with a stylized approach to violence that nods to the 1970s Giallo genre while injecting contemporary zest that keeps the plot vibrant and unpredictable. Gaillard's adept use of flashbacks thickens the plot and deepens the psychological engagement, pulling us further into Charlotte’s increasingly convoluted world.

Visually, the film is an array of stunning works in every scene; Gaillard doesn’t just use color— he weaponizes it. The bold contrasts of reds and blacks against stark whites aren’t merely decorative; they enhance the emotional volatility of the narrative, amplifying every twist and turn with visual cues that tug at the viewer's nerves. This dynamic use of the color palette turns each frame into a dramatic, almost operatic display of cinematic craft.

13 NOTES IN RED encounters some turbulence; occasionally, the dialogue stumbles into cliché, and the character arcs can feel underdeveloped, skating on the surface of the more profound depth they can offer. These moments are most evident in scenes where, instead of surging forward, the momentum stutters, hampered by exchanges that lack authenticity and fail to resonate. This is me being harsh, as the film has many positives that overcome the lapses in anything else. The film compensates for these narrative dips with its rich atmospheric design. The shadow-draped nightclubs and shadowed backdrops do more than set a scene; they envelop the audience in an eerie and enthralling ambiance. While this sometimes sacrifices narrative clarity, it’s a trade-off that pays dividends in immersive, sensory experiences for those drawn to films for their atmosphere.

The pervasive synth-wave soundtrack deserves a nod for shaping the film’s ambiance. Echoing horror aesthetics from decades past (think Bava’s DEMONS) might overpower some, but it undoubtedly adds a layer of nostalgic, auditory texture that complements the visual storytelling perfectly.

The film flirts with the edges of Charllottes backstory and motivations but never dives deep enough to allow a complete connection with her psychological and emotional journey. Immediately after watching the film, I was left somewhat empty by this. Still, upon deeper examination, it allows the viewer to fill in the blanks and make Charlotte whomever you want her to be, almost allowing you to control the narrative.

13 NOTES IN RED is a distinctive entry in the neo-Giallo catalog with its audacious visual style and creative narrative approaches. While it navigates through rough narrative patches, the film offers a complex blend of thematic and aesthetic elements that promise a memorable viewing experience. For those who value a fresh lens on traditional genres, Gaillard’s film delivers an artistic and bold reinterpretation of classic cinematic formulas.

Product Extras:
Stills Gallery
Original trailers
Additional footage
Salvation trailers

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER, REDEMPTION FILMS]

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