Portrayal of Innocence and Malice Captivates

Read Time:4 Minute, 20 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Transylvanie
NR –

Genre: Horror, Fantasy
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 15m
Director(s): Rodrigue Huart
Writer(s): Rodrigue Huart, David Alexander Cassan, Axel Würsten
Cast: Katell Varvat, Lucien Le Ho, Emma Gautier, Marylou Sampeur
Where To Watch: Fantasia 2023 Film Festival – World Premiere August 2, 2023; for more information visit www.fantasiafestival.com

RAVING REVIEW: Winner of the 2023 Fantasia Film Festival Best Cinematography for International Short Film, TRANSYLVANIE delivers an experience that will stay in your mind. This short film, helmed by Rodrigue Huart, sinks its fangs into the heart of the vampire genre, offering an enticing morsel of cinematic excellence in a mere 15 minutes.

From the imaginative mind of Huart, we meet Ewa, a 10-year-old girl portrayed amazingly by Katell Varvat. But Ewa is not your typical ten-year-old. Donning a black hoodie and a Dracula-style cape, she traverses the labyrinth of her solitary existence, powered by a conviction that would make Bram Stoker proud: she is a vampire. Her mission? To find another to join her in her secretive, nocturnal mission, to stand guard over this province, thereby establishing a reign of the night.

With an enchanting ambiance, TRANSYLVANIE seamlessly mixes elements from vampire mythos into a distinct plot that holds the audience captive. It's like a well-executed vampire's hypnotic gaze; you simply can't look away. Ewa's agenda sets the dramatic gears in motion. A little back story, at only 15 minutes, I watched the film in its entirety in its native French, with no subtitles. There isn’t a lot of dialogue, and Varvat controls the screen with her performance. I easily got the story's gist, even without knowing what the conversations were, which says a lot about a film. This could have been a silent film and still be just as powerful. Thankfully, I got the full version with subtitles as well, which only amplified my enjoyment.

Ewa, our self-proclaimed night-stalker, narrates her transformation story, allegedly beginning the previous fall. She spends her days skirting local bullies near her housing block, making covert graveyard visits, and hunting rodents, all to satiate her peculiar, blood-thirsty dietary needs. The eerie silence of her family-less home echoes her loneliness, reinforcing her pursuit of prey for her kingdom.

TRANSYLVANIE ventures into poignant thematic territory, probing into childhood loneliness, bullying, and the daunting pursuit of acceptance. The audience is left in the dark, pondering over cryptic clues as foggy as a Transylvanian night: Is Ewa a vampire, or are her nocturnal desires a figment of an imaginative mind that went to explore on its own? These mysteries add an intricate layer to the storyline, pulling the audience further into Ewa's cold, lonely world.

TRANSYLVANIE concocts a rich brew of folklore and emotional narrative. While the story may have some connections to other films; specifically the 2008 masterpiece LET THE RIGHT ONE IN, the relationship of the cast and crew combine here to create a world all their own. Varvat's portrayal of the dual nature of Ewa's character – a girl on the brink of adolescence yet possessed with a vampiric resolve – is magnetic. With her eloquent dialogues and earnest performance, Varvat keeps the audience engaged on the screen, anticipating the story's unraveling.

Ewa emerges as the pinnacle focus of TRANSYLVANIE, a paradoxical fusion of innocence and malice brought to life through Varvat's outstanding interpretation. Her emphatic dialogue delivery and bold assertions balance refinement and menace, creating a palpable suspense that grips the audience.

TRANSYLVANIE demonstrates Huart's immense potential in the film industry; I was left wanting more, needed more, and needed to see where Ewa’s story goes. This isn’t a slight on the film; quite the opposite! In a landscape where short films often struggle to gain recognition, TRANSYLVANIE emerges as a strong contender, leaving a lasting imprint on the viewers' minds. With a sophisticated narrative, captivating performances, and a clear demonstration of directorial prowess, it is no wonder the audience clamors for more.

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[photo courtesy of MANIFEST]

MY SAG-AFTRA/WGA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA and the WGA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals' extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I'm steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.

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