Bloody Ballet
If one were to blend the dark opulence of The Phantom of the Opera, the vivid and psychedelic hues of Suspiria and The Neon Demon, and the tightly-wound psychological tension of Black Swan, the 2018 horror film Bloody Ballet might just be the end result. The movie centers around a twenty-something ballet dancer named Adriana (Kendra Carelli) who struggles with the trauma of her parents’ unsolved murders, which occurred when she was a child. Her agony heightens when she lands the coveted lead role in The Nutcracker at her prestigious ballet company, and fears the envy of her fellow dancers. As a mysterious figure begins to murder those within her company in the same way that her parents were killed, however, Adriana realizes that her present emotional and professional successes—as well as those whom she loves–are at stake. Bloody Ballet particularly shines in terms of its aesthetics, cast, and maintenance of tension. The film is saturated in gorgeous shots and deliciously lurid colors—quite literally from start to finish–with clever nods to the aesthetics of the previously-mentioned films, which adds depth to the setting. Kendra Carelli delivers a smart and slow-burning performance as the complex lead character, allowing the various layers of Adriana to unfold in ways that are both organic and surprising. Caroline Williams and Debbie Rochon are brilliant in their supporting roles, and exude a powerhouse presence in every scene in which they are featured (although it would have heightened the film if Williams’ character had received more screen time, as her character is too engaging to be as underutilized as it is). The tension builds smoothly, particularly with a few key kills—although some of the kill scenes are a bit unoriginal, there are several kill scenes and moments of gore that are spectacular in their execution. Although Bloody Ballet showcases a few sparks of ingenuity throughout the storyline, certain elements fall flat. For example, without revealing too much of the plot, there is a side-plot involving a journalist sent to investigate a haunted building, and it is implied that he intends to interview the ghosts, as well—something that the owner of the building cautions against. Although the idea of a world in which ghosts and humans openly coexist has been done before, this film appeared to have a unique twist that, unfortunately, is never fully expanded upon. The ending is a bit predictable (and feels a bit rushed and incomplete in regard to its particular subject matter), even with the inclusion of red herrings throughout the film; however, although the overarching twist involves a common horror trope, the minor twists that surround it are more compelling and impactful. Overall, Bloody Ballet is an entertaining horror film with a great cast and visuals, even if it does not fully realize its potential.
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