Hounds of Love (2016)

Hounds of Love, contrary to popular belief, is not a true-crime film. It is not a simple dramatization of something that actually occurred, as it invents nearly all the details of its twisted yarn, and takes incredible liberties in order to deliver a crackling thriller that doesn't ever quite become so extreme as to become punishing to sit through. That said, however, it is tense, and not a little harrowing, often leaving you perched on the edge of your seat for the majority of the film's runtime.

For such a stark serial killer narrative, the film is very tasteful with what it actually shows of the dehumanizing sexual violence it's centered around. In our introduction to the villains, we hardly see or hear anything of their victim, just the faintest hint of her presence and what they've done to her; and yet it's clear, concise, and chilling.

Its strongest aspect is perhaps the psychological complexity in its writing. What makes each character tick is explored in detail, and not through obvious movie dialogue, but instead through well-written scenes that subtly illustrate the motivations of each character it depicts. And what wonderfully complex characters they are, forced to navigate a nightmarish landscape of total depravity and hopelessness. Even more impressively, certain themes, like independence, are explored in so many ways, from so many angles, both tangibly and in an abstract way too, as to give the film an almost literary quality. Combine this with the film's Kubrickian direction, stark photography, and deliberate pacing, and you have a respectable effort, especially considering this is the director's first feature film. Yes, it would be effortless to recommend it to everyone... were it not for the extreme subject matter and several genuine nail-biting moments of suspense.

The construction of the film is impeccable: incredible cinematography (especially those slow-motion dolly shots,) pitch-perfect performances, and a wonderful pop soundtrack go a long way towards making the film feel as though it was very carefully considered and constructed by a masterful storyteller who is fully aware of how easily such a twisted tale can be ruined by an unsteady hand or lack of taste. Really, it is in its details that this film manages to satisfy and eek out an existence for itself, because otherwise it could have easily just been another 'taken prisoner by psycho' film that are dime-a-dozen. Provided the premise doesn't turn you off, and you're able to deal with the intense rollercoaster of emotions it creates, not to mention the seemingly neverending tension, Hounds of Love is a masterfully made, masterfully told piece of mature filmmaking that feels fully-formed and thoroughly considered.