family dinner (2022)

A BONE-CHILLING WATCH THAT SERVES UP SUSPENSE WITH A SIDE OF MYSTERY.

If your family resembles mine in any way, the mere title of this film is bound to send your anxiety skyrocketing. But fret not, as this horror flick still packs a punch with its gripping elements, even if it falls slightly short of the high expectations set by its opening scenes.

During the Easter holidays, Simi (Nina Katlein), an overweight teenager, visits her aunt Claudia's (Pia Hierzegger) farm with hopes of enlisting her aunt's expertise as a nutrition coach to aid in her weight loss journey. However, as Simi spends more time on the farm, she begins to uncover unsettling truths about her surroundings. Doubt creeps in as she questions who she can trust amidst the secrets lurking within the farm's confines.

At its core, Family Dinner revolves around a seemingly ordinary gathering of relatives, but beneath the surface lies a simmering tension that hints at darker truths lurking just out of sight. As the plot unfolds, secrets emerge, tensions escalate, and the once-familiar dynamics of family life are upended in unexpected ways. It’s a slow-burning enigma that initially grips audiences with its eerie atmosphere and tantalising mysteries. From the outset, Family Dinner employs patience and restraint to weave a web of intrigue, drawing viewers into its unsettling world with expert precision.

The strength of Family Dinner lies in its ability to maintain a palpable sense of unease throughout, keeping audiences on edge as they anxiously await the inevitable unravelling of the family's carefully constructed facade. The performances are uniformly excellent, with each actor imbuing their character with a sense of depth and complexity that adds to the film's overall sense of authenticity. However, despite its many strengths, Family Dinner ultimately falters in its execution of the climax. After a slow and methodical build-up, the film's payoff feels disappointingly predictable, robbing the narrative of some of its impact. It's a missed opportunity that leaves us longing for a more satisfying resolution to the story's central mysteries.

That being said, there is still much to admire about Family Dinner. From its atmospheric cinematography to its nuanced exploration of family dynamics, the film offers plenty for viewers to ponder and discuss long after the credits roll. While the ending may leave something to be desired, the journey to get there is undeniably compelling.

★★★☆☆

14 JUNE 2022