In a “school” for young girls, curiosity is taught to be one of the seven vices, along side seven feminine virtues, they must live by. To viewers of Level 16, it’s outrageous that these girls are subjected to such submissive practices, but to the girls, this is their life, completely isolated from the allegedly toxic outside world with the constant threat of severe punishment always looming.

This world-building film and intriguing premise might seem detached from what we know in reality, but the themes hit very close to home for many. It creatively uses of color, textures, and negative space to communicate mood and tension. And when the main character, Vivian, begins to realize what’s actually going on, you do too, making every moment leading up to the climax more and more enthralling and compelling.

At one point midway through the film, Vivian is locked in a small concrete cell and told to “spend your time here reflecting on the feminine virtues.” The same task is asked of the audience as they watch Level 16. Not to revere them, but to question them; a vice the film avidly encourages audiences, especially women, to indulge.

Acting and Casting - 2 | Visual Effects and Editing - 2 | Story and Message - 2 | Entertainment Value - 1 | Music Score and Soundtrack - 2 | Reviewer's Preference - 1 | What does this mean?