"Suspiria" (2018) Movie Review
In my research, I found that the word “suspiria” is derived from a Latin word meaning “breathe” or “to take a deep breath.” It is unclear, however, if the title is meant to convey a component of the film, or warn viewers about what they’re going to witness.
This rendition of Suspiria is a mutilating, gory, bizarre hellfest involving witches, their dance company, and the monsters hiding in plain sight.
Having experienced many strange and unconventional films this year, I figured I should be well acclimated to this type of film. However, I struggled to understand…much less enjoy…Suspiria.
To their credit, Suspiria’s headlining stars Dakota Johnson and Tilda Swinton uphold their immense value as talented actors playing incoming dancer and stern instructor respectively.
But that’s where my compliments end. Suspiria drags audiences through an awkwardly stylized, slow-burning 5 act buildup in the dance company, then in the 6th act, throws them into an excessively violent ride through the bewildering mythology of this secretive coven.
After all of this torture, there’s very little payoff for the viewer in the end. Johnson’s character willingly subjects herself to the events that unfold. Stop and take a deep breath before you do the same.
Acting and Casting - 2 | Visual Effects and Editing - 1 | Story and Message - 0 | Entertainment Value - 0 | Music Score and Soundtrack - 1 | Reviewer's Preference - 0 | What does this mean?