Day 5 proved to be a busy day for horror screenings, so the lone regular film to review is Chilean cult drama Princesita.
Let’s bitch it out…
Princesita
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this film, about a twelve year old girl living in a cult. Director Marialy Rivas shoots the early scenes around the camp like an idyllic summer retreat, with extra bright colours and a free spirited vibe that feels playful and welcoming. This is the desired effect because we’re experiencing the world through Tamara’s (Sara Caballero) eyes and early in the film she’s still a young, naive, indoctrinated servant of charismatic leader Miguel (a cast against type Marcelo Alonso). In anticipation of her ascension as future leader, Miguel sends Tamara to school, where classmates and a concerned teacher help her to discover that her idealistic life on the commune is actually a prison run by a sick pedophile.
This is a film of small, but substantially emotional stakes and it goes to very dark, personal places. The climax is more upsetting than any Midnight Madness horror film I’ve seen; it left me shaken and shocked (in all of the right ways). It’s the perfect culmination for a film that is hypnotic, beautiful and horrifying. Princesita is a must-see.
Side bar: The film also has ridiculously awesome closing credits, so when you see it, be sure to check them out at the end of the film.
—
Be sure to keep an eye on Bloody Disgusting for all of the Midnight Madness and horror/thriller reviews.