strangled (2016)
Original Title: A martfűi rém
A DARK AND TWISTED TALE THAT’LL LEAVE YOU BREATHLESS.
In the wide world of cinema, there exists a delicate balance between storytelling that is disturbingly captivating and narratives that are disturbingly distasteful. The 2016 Hungarian film Strangled treads this line with caution, offering a tale that is undeniably gripping yet often teeters uncomfortably close to the edge of distasteful. While the film possesses elements of intrigue and suspense, its descent into darker territories may leave audiences grappling with a sense of unease and moral ambiguity.
Inspired by real-life occurrences, this gripping psycho-thriller transports viewers to the quaint provincial setting of 1960s Hungary, specifically the tranquil town of Martfü. Against this backdrop of idyllic charm, a series of chilling murders sends shockwaves through the community, leaving residents gripped by fear and suspicion.
The narrative centres around the hunt for a deranged killer whose twisted acts of violence target young women. As the body count rises, the town's sense of security crumbles, replaced by a pervasive atmosphere of dread and paranoia. Meanwhile, an innocent man is wrongly accused, and an unjust conviction ensues, further plunging the town into chaos. A determined detective arrives on the scene and soon becomes obsessed with the case while under pressure from the prosecutor to see a man hang.
As the investigation unfolds, layers of intrigue and deception are peeled back, revealing a web of intricate conspiracy and unsettling drama. Against the backdrop of socialist Hungary, where political tensions run high and trust is a scarce commodity, the detective navigates a treacherous maze of lies and deceit, determined to uncover the truth at any cost.
This was not an easy watch and comes with an incredibly strong warning. The inclusion of multiple rape scenes in the film, which could have easily been omitted without detracting from the narrative, raises questions about director Arpad Sopsits’ motivations. It suggests a penchant for depicting gratuitous violence solely for shock value.
Despite commendable aspects such as strong performances, compelling dialogue, and visually stunning cinematography, the film's weak narrative structure, reliant on gratuitous violence, undermines its overall impact. While certain elements of the story are engaging, the inclusion of unnecessarily graphic and disturbing scenes detracts from the viewing experience, leaving a lingering sense of discomfort and unease. Brutal viewing.
★★★☆☆
10 FEBRUARY 2024
