WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
WATCH THE FILM HERE with all proceeds going to the filmmakers!
First, the Recap:
Exercises in trepidation. No matter your age, race, creed, or gender, there have been times encountered of absolute fright. While perhaps most often associated with nightmares and the sudden jerking back into the waking realms, it will always leave an indelible mark within your mind. While there may be many means by which to ease a troubled mind from such events, what happens when the ordeal never actually ceases? A couple named Sam (Ercan Karacayli) and Laura (Kathrin von Steinburg) enjoy an evening’s fun at the expense of a prank played on their minute dog, Maya. Then, a severely abrupt change in circumstances quickly turns Laura’s night into a waking torment as she finds herself at the mercy of an unseen force that threatens everything she is and has.
Next, my Mind:
Arguably one this critic’s overall favorite efforts screened at the 2020 Berlin Revolution Film Festival, the mere 7-minute short from writer/director/producer/editor/DP Iván Sáinz-Pardo absolutely defines the meaning of eerie, creepy, wholly unsettling psychological horror through its undeniably terrifying narrative that finds one woman, her husband, and, yes, the dog at the center of an incursion into their space by a supernatural force bent on nothing but instilling as much dread into the home’s occupants as possible, even more specifically the female lead as she battles against its unearthly machinations.
But, the true brilliance behind this effort lies in a beautifully astute visual presentation that masterfully relies on both what you DO see and what you don’t, creating an air of constant tension and jump-scares that had this critic’s skin crawling and chills flowing through me from the moment events begin occurring all the way to the film’s fantastically orchestrated finale that actually puts an interestingly clever twist on what we’ve just witnessed, assuming your still breathing by that point. I am not exaggerating here, at least in offering this opinion, as I haven’t been this consistently freaked out watching a horror effort of any length or style in quite some time.
Another constant in a well-done horror film is the music score, which when executed correctly, adds to the tension and anxious feelings it should elicit, and that is accomplished here in spades thanks to composer Philipp Fabian Kölmel‘s magnificently apropos score that does exactly what it should throughout. Additonally, and in tandem with the music of course is the equally eloquent cinematography that knows precisely how to embrace each scene and character involved with that right focus and distance that allows for you to be always wary about what’s about to, or potentially not, spring out at you. It’s a match made in heaven with these elements so skillfully carried out.
Karacayli does a splendid job through his role as Sam, a completely normal guy who relishes what he shares with his wife as is more than evident with the frivolity we see as they choose to playfully engage in an “awww, that’s not nice!” joke on their sweet little dog Maya. However, once he pulls off the act, that’s when things go drastically awry, and I will simply say for the screen time Karacayli has, he excels in playing the part he’s been given. Truthfully, the effort belongs to von Steinburg in a heart-pounding turn as Laura, Sam’s wife who ends up on the wrong end of a supernatural invasion that drives her into a state of abject shock and alarm. She makes every attempt to locate Sam to bring it all to an end, or so she hopes, but the journey to get there is a frightening tribulation that might not have the outcome she desires.
It’s a wonderfully gripping performance von Steinburg gives, convincing and filled with palpable emotion, which works wonders in the film of this ilk. So, in total, with its imagery and soundscapes in full tilt terror mode and deft performances by its actors in tow, “Save 2.0” IS truly what this style of genre piece should be. Honestly, I know this critic wouldn’t mind a feature length effort dealing with this very scenario because the last bit of artistry found here is the realization that the film leaves you wondering what happened in a way that begs for further exploration and explanation. May more horror films follow this lead.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
