“Piercing” is a twisted and hauntingly beautiful film about a man who wants to kill a prostitute. He checks into a hotel room with the intention of fulfilling his desire. He is like a moth drawn to the flame, consumed by an insatiable hunger. The film is filled with stunning visuals and masterful storytelling that leaves you on the edge of your seat until the end. It’s a truly unforgettable experience that will leave you gasping for air.
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Review
Piercing is a psychological thriller that will leave you in a state of shock. The movie, directed by Nicolas Pesce, was released in 2018. It is based on the novel of the same name by Ryu Murakami. The film stars Christopher Abbott, Mia Wasikowska, and Laia Costa.
The Plot
The storyline is about Reed (Christopher Abbott), a family man who has an uncontrollable urge to kill. He decides to act on this urge by hiring an escort named Jackie (Mia Wasikowska) as his victim. However, things don’t go according to plan when Jackie reveals she has her own dark secrets.
As the story unfolds, we see how Reed and Jackie’s past experiences have shaped them into the people they are now. Their inner demons are put on display as they try to outmaneuver each other psychologically.
The Casts
Christopher Abbott plays Reed with a convincing performance that captures his character’s mental instability. His portrayal of Reed makes you sympathize with him even though he’s a murderer.
Mia Wasikowska is equally impressive as Jackie. Her acting skills allow her to embody the character’s eccentricities and vulnerabilities flawlessly.
Laia Costa also delivers a solid performance as Reed’s wife, who becomes suspicious of his behavior.
The Score and Popularity
The score for Piercing is hauntingly beautiful and adds depth to the film’s eerie atmosphere. Composed by Zachary Dawes and Andrew Hewitt, the music reflects the mood of each scene perfectly.
Despite being released on a limited scale, Piercing received critical acclaim from both audiences and critics alike. It currently holds an 82% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The Filming
Filmed in New York City during late 2016, Piercing was shot in just under four weeks using practical effects rather than relying on CGI or green screens. This decision adds to the film’s authenticity and overall vibe.
The Special Effects
The special effects in Piercing are minimal, but when used, they are done effectively, especially in one scene where Reed imagines a group of insects crawling out of his body. The effect is both horrifying and captivating.
The Dialogue
Pesce’s writing is masterful in how he creates tension through dialogue. The conversations between Reed and Jackie are carefully crafted to reveal their true intentions.
The Scenes
The scenes in Piercing are shot with precision and care. Each shot adds depth to the characters’ personalities and motivations. The use of color also contributes to the film’s overall mood.
The Soundtracks
Piercing’s soundtrack is an integral part of the film. It adds to the sense of unease and tension that permeates each scene. Each song is well chosen, perfectly matching the feeling and emotions conveyed by each shot.
The Analysis
Piercing explores themes such as mental illness, guilt, self-loathing, and trauma. It delves into the human psyche and what drives us to do things we wouldn’t normally do.
While it may not be everyone’s cup of tea due to its graphic violence, it is an excellent example of a psychological thriller done right.
The Criticisms
One criticism leveled against Piercing is that it can be too disturbing for some viewers. The graphic violence may turn off those who aren’t prepared for it or aren’t fans of horror movies.
Another criticism is that some scenes feel unnecessary or could have been cut without affecting the storyline. However, these criticisms are minor compared to the movie’s overall quality.
The Production
Piercing was produced by BorderLine Films in association with Memento Films International and Paradise City Films. It had a budget of $2 million dollars which was used wisely given how well-made the movie turned out.
The Editing
Editing plays a significant role in Piercing by creating a sense of unease and tension through jump cuts and fast-paced sequences. These editing choices capture the frenzied nature of Reed’s mind and add to the film’s overall atmosphere.
The Conclusion
In conclusion, Piercing is a movie that will stick with you long after the credits roll. Pesce’s direction, combined with exceptional performances from Abbott, Wasikowska, and Costa, makes for an excellent psychological thriller that is sure to be remembered. It’s a must-watch for lovers of the horror/thriller genre who want to see something unique yet eerily familiar at the same time.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 82
- Release : 2018-12-13
- Genre : Horror, Thriller, Mystery
- Cast : Christopher Abbott as Reed, Mia Wasikowska as Jackie, Laia Costa as Mona, Maria Dizzia as Chevonne, Marin Ireland as Reed’s Mother
- Crew : Randall Poster as Music Supervisor, Michael Fontaine as Prosthetic Makeup Artist, Antonio Campos as Producer, Eileen Weisinger as Stunt Double, Ryû Murakami as Novel
- Popularity 9.086
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : BorderLine Films, Borderline Presents, Memento Films International
- Summary : After kissing his wife and baby goodbye for a seemingly normal business trip, Reed checks himself into a hotel room to accomplish something he’s always dreamed of: the perfect murder. As his sinister plans unfold, he soon realizes he might be in over his head with a mysteriously unhinged call girl named Jackie.
- Tagline : Practice doesn’t always make perfect.
