Sinister Needs Drive Man to Madness

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MOVIE REVIEW
The Funeral (Cenaze)
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Genre: Horror
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 49m
Director(s): Orçun Behram
Writer(s): Orçun Behram
Cast: Ahmet Rıfat Şungar, Cansu Türedi, Emrah Altıntoprak, Tekin Temel, Gizem Erdem, Eren Çiğdem, Yücel Kelebekli, Alp Çoker, Orhan Eşkin
Language: Turkish with English subtitles
Where To Watch: releases on ScreamBox August 27, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: Orçun Behram's latest film whisks us to the Turkish countryside's eerie expanses for an unsettling and introspective ride. Ahmet Rifat Sungar stars as Cemal, the reclusive hearse driver whose task seems simple but spirals into a nightmarish odyssey. When Cemal discovers that his cargo, Zeynep—portrayed with a chilling charm by Cansu Türedi—is not quite as lifeless as presumed.

The story unfolds at a deliberate pace and with a focus on unique storytelling, pulling viewers deep into its atmospheric embrace. As strange occurrences ripple from the back of Cemal's van, a bizarre bond forms between him and the mysterious Zeynep. This unlikely partnership propels Cemal down a dark trail of obsession and moral decay, challenging his sanity as he caters to her increasingly gruesome needs.

At its core, THE FUNERAL is a grim meditation on the nature of human consumption and exploitation. The film marries horror elements with psychological drama, painting a portrait of a man consumed by his compulsions. Though steeped in the supernatural, this relationship mirrors the often parasitic nature of human interactions, where personal gain frequently comes at the expense of another's well-being.

The film also employs a rich layer of symbolism to deepen its exploration of isolation and dependency. The recurring motif of the hearse not only reminds us of the ever-present shadow of death but also symbolizes the baggage of the past that Cemal carries with him—literally and figuratively. These symbols underscore the film’s deeper narrative, weaving a subtle yet powerful commentary on how the past continually shapes our actions and relationships.

Despite its pacing, which may test the patience of some, the film excels in maintaining a gripping sense of unease. Sungar's understated performance magnificently captures Cemal's internal turmoil and gradual detachment from reality. Zeynep, as enigmatic as she is eerie, remains an evocative specter throughout the narrative, her past only glimpsed through fleeting and cryptic moments that enhance her spectral presence.

THE FUNERAL distinguishes itself with standout production that excels past its modest budget. The stark, raw visual style masterfully reflects the bleakness of the settings—from urban decay to pristine wilderness—each enhancing the film's oppressive atmosphere. The practical effects, particularly in the darker scenes, are executed with a disturbing realism that Engin Özkaya’s sharp cinematography captures without flinching.

The climax of THE FUNERAL is jarring and contemplative, intensifying the built-up tension into a finale that leaves more questions than answers. The audience is left pondering whether Cemal's harrowing journey was driven by external supernatural forces or the unraveling of his psyche.

This compelling blend of horror and psychological exploration challenges viewers to consider the deeper scares beyond the surface. Its narrative deeply intertwines terror with introspection, making it a memorable experience that resonates long after the credits roll. For those drawn to stories that probe the depths of human nature and the eerie boundary between life and death, Behram's creation offers a uniquely unsettling experience.

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[photo courtesy of SCREAMBOX]

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