Antichrist
IFC Films | Release Date: October 23, 2009
7.1
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 228 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
150
Mixed:
51
Negative:
27
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10
icemaidenMar 13, 2011
I'm not a film person and generally can't sit through them but this one is the exception. Yes, there are gruesome images and scenes of a sexual nature but in my opinion it is all within the context of the story. The first few scenes, inI'm not a film person and generally can't sit through them but this one is the exception. Yes, there are gruesome images and scenes of a sexual nature but in my opinion it is all within the context of the story. The first few scenes, in extra slow motion, are incredibly powerful. I defy anyone not to be moved by the opening images, however, I also think you need to understand depression, anxiety and panic attacks, even have personal experience, to fully appreciate what this film is all about. Although graphic in it's adult content, it's not really a film for entertainment, it's deeply thought provoking, shocking and artistic in the most absurd way. The acting is incredible from both characters. If you're looking for a film for sexual or violent gratification don't bother with this. If intellect is your thing, this is for you.… Expand
7 of 7 users found this helpful70
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10
Clams_n_RosesNov 23, 2011
Not the sort of film you'd take your girlfriend to see, nor a film you'd want someone walking in on you watching, but certainly a very brilliant one which you'll be left thinking about long after it's ended. Without resorting to clichedNot the sort of film you'd take your girlfriend to see, nor a film you'd want someone walking in on you watching, but certainly a very brilliant one which you'll be left thinking about long after it's ended. Without resorting to cliched horror movie stereotypes or cheap scares, the director creates a terrifying and unsettling atmosphere with very powerful images and themes. To me, the characters were far more relatable and real than a lot of other reviews suggest- a man desperate to help his wife's depression, while naively arrogant about his ability to do so, a woman with deep insecurities and barely suppressed sociopathic tendencies. The setting of the majority of the film, in a woodland cabin, is intended to be a place of relaxation and retreat; instead the director shows the cruelty and horror of nature. The woods are not some idyllic place of fantasy happiness and tranquillity, but the arena of an often horrifying struggle for survival between the beings who live there, where death is a large part of life. An Eagle's chick falls accidentally to the ground where it is consumed by insects, a deer gives birth only to find the calf stillborn, a tree sheds acorns to create new life, though most of these will fall on the cabin roof and never grow- these images compound the guilt of the woman, while also being a constant reminder that death is a big part of nature. This setting gnaws away at the characters, allowing the film to sink further into its dark themes in a brilliant and powerful way.… Expand
3 of 3 users found this helpful30
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5
gonzologicJan 31, 2014
Good acting and beautiful cinematography, but beyond that I can't recommend it. This was just bleak, even for Lars von Trier, who I usually enjoy. Sort of picks up in the last 30 - 45 minutes, but the payoff isn't worth the dull first threeGood acting and beautiful cinematography, but beyond that I can't recommend it. This was just bleak, even for Lars von Trier, who I usually enjoy. Sort of picks up in the last 30 - 45 minutes, but the payoff isn't worth the dull first three quarters. Yes, I could dissect the themes and symbolism and probably have a rewarding conversation about it now, having seen it... but meh. The whole thing (very) basically boiled down to "wah, human nature sucks, here's Willem Dafoe being a dick and Charlotte Gainsbourg crying about it for two hours."… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
GMUJun 12, 2011
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This film is pretty hard to watch- not like Tommy Wiseau's The Room; but the movie had elements that really challenged my emotions and patience. It's really hard for me to describe what I didn't like about it because there were so many things that seemed almost perfect and completely upsetting at the same time. This movie was well done because it's so eerie, but then again it's so disturbing that I don't want to say it was enjoyable. I think it is enjoyable, however if you were to only focus on the video (and not the audio) of the film. The reason why I say this is because there are so many beautiful abstractions throughout the film: Such as the first shot of She (Charlotte Gainsbourg) walking through the forest (the beginning of meditation); the 'baby shots' of both characters depicting how the body is reacting to different circumstances; seeing the shocking face in the forest as the car is passing all those trees; etc. I don't think one can say that this is a 'bad film', but I admit it was a bit hard to watch. It is an unusual, unearthly film with great artistic elements to it that outweighs it's unsettling nature.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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5
AlienSpaceBatsJul 27, 2011
Provocative, demented, ultimately pointless with an undercurrent of theological nonsense. Should not be taken seriously, best viewed as an exercise in atmosphere.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
worleyjamersFeb 24, 2013
Not for everyone...it's one of the most difficult films I have ever seen. Visually disturbing, but well-done. Gainsbourg is incredible...she put SO much into this character, both emotionally and physically. It's hard to recommend a Von TrierNot for everyone...it's one of the most difficult films I have ever seen. Visually disturbing, but well-done. Gainsbourg is incredible...she put SO much into this character, both emotionally and physically. It's hard to recommend a Von Trier film, but this is one that must be seen to believe.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
brieflyJul 22, 2013
Von Trier can be polarizing (I for one hated "Dancer in the Dark"), and this film is not for the faint of heart, but what it does well saying something in images that cannot be put into words it does very well.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
FilmVirtueFeb 15, 2014
One fantastic art film. It was unique and showed plenty of effort. However I'm not always happy with the scenes shown that may be considered Over the top.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
The3AcademySinsMar 6, 2019
One of the most unique and powerful movies I have ever seen, Antichrist is Lars Von Trier's magnum opus, and a film I will not soon forget watching. The imagery and discussion of men and women, depression, sex, violence, hell, death, andOne of the most unique and powerful movies I have ever seen, Antichrist is Lars Von Trier's magnum opus, and a film I will not soon forget watching. The imagery and discussion of men and women, depression, sex, violence, hell, death, and survival are themes that Von Trier uses in all of his works, and these themes are turned up to 11 in Antichrist. Charlotte Gainsbourgh and Willem DaFoe are incredible in this one, and the script is bold and breathtaking. The atmosphere of the film slowly lures you in, and it wasn't even until the end where I found myself asking "Wait, did I just watch a horror movie?" Absolutely brilliant. Also one of the best openings in movie history.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
BunnyM.Feb 14, 2010
It's just that Americans can't understand it... so, watch avatar and continue to be stupid and pointless.
3 of 4 users found this helpful
9
TimMar 28, 2010
Well at least it caught me off guard. Acting is superb and the art house feel made me expect another dysfunctional marriage/ psychological drama. There lies the true genius of von Trier, the ability to know his audience of pretentious Well at least it caught me off guard. Acting is superb and the art house feel made me expect another dysfunctional marriage/ psychological drama. There lies the true genius of von Trier, the ability to know his audience of pretentious wankers, give them the visual candy and pseudo-intellectual dialogue to stimulate their 'fancy film' sensors, and to finally betray them with a conventional horror ending that surprisingly doesn't disappoint.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful
9
RobertWJun 7, 2010
The best new movie I've seen in over ten years. Some parts are difficult to stick with, but they are arguably necessary to the calculated effect Trier crafts upon his audience. Any jackass critic who says he achieved his vision and The best new movie I've seen in over ten years. Some parts are difficult to stick with, but they are arguably necessary to the calculated effect Trier crafts upon his audience. Any jackass critic who says he achieved his vision and doesn't give him his due doesn't understand film and anyone who says it's not intelligent doesn't have half a brain and is a hypocrite. This movie may not be perfect, but it does a great job of fucking with your mind in a (almost completely) classy way, and that deserves due credit over Hollywood assembly-line flicks with the likes of Ben Stiller or Shrek.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful
8
GC.Oct 23, 2009
I thought that the movie was very powerful. The woman's breakdown (and the subsequent perversion of her own studies) was incredible to watch. The actors were both quite powerful in their performances. I was also impressed by the I thought that the movie was very powerful. The woman's breakdown (and the subsequent perversion of her own studies) was incredible to watch. The actors were both quite powerful in their performances. I was also impressed by the cinematography. In fact, this seemed more like an intense (really intense) psychological drama than a "horror" movie. As the movie progressed to the cabin, some of the horror elements started to come into play in a subtle but effective way. Again, the more abstract scenes were intense, to say the least. As the realization came to the man that his therapy wasn't working, that his wife had been purposely hurting the child, that she had warped her own studies to support her own guilt... that was when the movie went for the jugular. That last ten to fifteen minutes was waaaay out there. I get the attack on the genitalia (the sin), but honestly, it was a lot more graphic than maybe it needed to be and did catch me off guard. If you just see it as a simple story, then the movie really isn't original... and it tends to be a trippy torture-fest for the viewer. If you look at the movie and try to understand the psychology of the characters, then I really think this was an impressive movie. I would have rated it higher, but those last ten minutes churned my stomach just a bit and seemed needlessly (and overly) graphic.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful
10
ulalarOct 25, 2009
I have regained my faith in cinema, that it can take part on a more equal basis in a philosophical, humanistic discourse.
2 of 3 users found this helpful
10
JesseOct 23, 2009
Like Miike's Audition, Antichrist's quotidian moments provide a baseline for the truly powerful scenes to shatter.
2 of 3 users found this helpful
10
RolandB.Oct 23, 2009
I've never felt so calm and so horrified.
2 of 3 users found this helpful
9
AdamM.Oct 23, 2009
This is without doubt a highly underrated film.
2 of 3 users found this helpful
1
MichaelDNOct 7, 2012
It's basically an hour and a half of porn, and if anybody tried to convince you there is intelligent or emotional depth to it, they are kidding themselves. After seeing Lars Von Trier movies such as Melancholia and Dancer In The Dark, I hadIt's basically an hour and a half of porn, and if anybody tried to convince you there is intelligent or emotional depth to it, they are kidding themselves. After seeing Lars Von Trier movies such as Melancholia and Dancer In The Dark, I had high expectations for this one, even after looking at the lackluster reviews. However, the harshest critics are right. It's basically like if the Piranha movies pretended they were good. It's a lot of gruesome images, amidst a plot line that seems like it could be an emotional one, and so people just buy into it. There are also completely pretentious moments, such as when he tells his wife to fade into the grass, and she turns green while laying on the grass. I'm sure fans of this movie think that's the deepest thing ever. Whoever said you have to understand pain and depression is extremely pretentious. I usually go for depressing movies, and that actually describes most of my favorites, hence the fact that I'm a Lars Von Trier fan, but there has to be a solid script for those emotions to come through. Simply coming up with an emotional topic isn't enough. The same goes for whoever chalked up the negative reviews to people who don't like art cinema. The Tree Of Life was my favorite movie of last year, because the story was brilliant, and the emotion was there. That emotion isn't going to come through, just by the topic about a couple dealing with losing a child, especially when the way the script tries to convey those emotions is to just have an hour and a half of sex scenes, before the wife has an emotional breakdown at the end. It's kind of interesting, actually. You can fool people into thinking your movie is good, just by having so many random, ridiculous moments, that no one would possibly think any sane writer or director would do it, without having some type of meaning behind it. They don't understand exactly what that meaning is, but they're sure it's there. Ask anyone who raves about how deep this movie is, what the significance is of the mob at the end, and watch them stare blankly without an answer. Charlotte Gainsbourg gives a strong performance, and the cinematography and music are incorporated beautifully enough to feign real artistry.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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10
krisztiankMar 16, 2010
Ooh. Whenever i read this kind of reviews i am somehow sure that all the classics of cinema - for example movies of Ingmar Bergman - would be rated overall "mixed or average" - if they were made nowadays. In the of movies as Antichrist, the Ooh. Whenever i read this kind of reviews i am somehow sure that all the classics of cinema - for example movies of Ingmar Bergman - would be rated overall "mixed or average" - if they were made nowadays. In the of movies as Antichrist, the concept of "rating" fails. How would you rate Godard? What would you rate there exactly? eh. Come on. Avatar 84 points? What ARE these reviews about? Joy-factor? With this movie the director clearly spells his truth, even if it´s hard to take. I can´t remember any movie after my teenager years having such an impact, lasting for more than a week. You have to be careful with it, of course. It IS dangerous. But if something in this-layered-cake-looking, cliché-collage film industry can be dangerous to watch - it rather worth to let it work on you - and forget about critical behavior.… Expand
3 of 5 users found this helpful
4
lexgOct 24, 2009
Seemed rather pointless to me.
3 of 6 users found this helpful
6
TTW107Apr 12, 2012
Some of the camera shots are absolutely beautiful but there is a rather disturbing segment of, i don't know, about 5 seconds that should not have been in the film and literally makes me never want to see the movie again. I am very tolerableSome of the camera shots are absolutely beautiful but there is a rather disturbing segment of, i don't know, about 5 seconds that should not have been in the film and literally makes me never want to see the movie again. I am very tolerable of things I see in movies because it is fake and I know this but this part crossed the line, coming from me, that says a lot.… Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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10
SJOct 25, 2009
In what will be marked in history as one of the most controversial, literally pornographic & thought provoking pieces of art within the film medium, Lars von Trier has presented an anomaly questioning the foundations of religions themselves, In what will be marked in history as one of the most controversial, literally pornographic & thought provoking pieces of art within the film medium, Lars von Trier has presented an anomaly questioning the foundations of religions themselves, as well as an experience to enmesh the audience well into the film. From practically every facet of quality, Antichrist excels in all areas: Regarding special effects, film grain & use of colours; image filtering, characters, soundtrack, artistic literary techniques; dialogue & themes with direct connotations towards the human condition. This is naming but a few of a potential from a most complex myriad.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful
9
JimF.Oct 26, 2009
The prologue, epilogue, and first three chapters contain some of the some of the most beautiful and mysterious and exciting filmmaking I've seen in ages. The fourth chapter is the most horrific and insane and upsetting filmmaking I hope The prologue, epilogue, and first three chapters contain some of the some of the most beautiful and mysterious and exciting filmmaking I've seen in ages. The fourth chapter is the most horrific and insane and upsetting filmmaking I hope I'll ever see. But that's all to be expected from a film about nature, I guess. The performances are, as usual for a Lars Von Trier film, riveting and seductive. This is certainly his coldest and most brutal film, and also his lushest. And, as usual, he raises more question than he answers, and for the people who hate Lars and his cinematic provocations this is just the most potent fuel for the fires of their contempt. But I think he's one of the most consistently fascinating filmmakers working today.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful
9
KenBNov 13, 2009
It's sad that some people associate anything to do with the genitals or sexuality with pornography. I don't understand why these people insist on going to films that appeal to adult themes. I suggest that they stick with Walt It's sad that some people associate anything to do with the genitals or sexuality with pornography. I don't understand why these people insist on going to films that appeal to adult themes. I suggest that they stick with Walt Disney productions. Everything will be immaculately clean and everyone will live happily everafter. This film is obviously full of controverial themes. But don't berate it just because you can't stomach the content. The film was beautifully filmed; that alone makes it worthwhile. And in the theatre I attended, the audience seemed to be spell-bound. What more can you want?… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful
5
smijatovDec 20, 2010
This is rather disappointing, considering that it comes from one of the best European directors nowadays. Surely, von Trier's style is clearly visible in this film, technically and as well with his strange choice of theme. The provocativeThis is rather disappointing, considering that it comes from one of the best European directors nowadays. Surely, von Trier's style is clearly visible in this film, technically and as well with his strange choice of theme. The provocative nature of the film is also very typical of him.
However, the gruesomeness, cruelty and violence are something new - at least visually. All this films deal with the nature of humans, but they are never so visually disturbing. This is where he went too far. Also, it is rather open-ended leaving the viewer rather confused, and largely disgusted.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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2
mailinhJan 7, 2014
What is going on in the mind of Lars Von Trier? Frankly, I am afraid to know. This is a film for maniacs. Sorry for being so harsh, but except of some good shots and sounds there is not much more positive about "Antichrist". Nobody wants toWhat is going on in the mind of Lars Von Trier? Frankly, I am afraid to know. This is a film for maniacs. Sorry for being so harsh, but except of some good shots and sounds there is not much more positive about "Antichrist". Nobody wants to see blood coming out of Dafoe's penis or Gainsbourg cutting off her at least I hope so. It's mostly disgusting and shouldn't be seen. You get unhinged, trust me.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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5
JoshuaS.Oct 25, 2009
A film that ultimately seems to polarize its viewers, Von Trier's "Antichrist", left me scratching my head. I admired the performers and their courage onscreen, the photography was stunning and moody, but by the end I felt like I had A film that ultimately seems to polarize its viewers, Von Trier's "Antichrist", left me scratching my head. I admired the performers and their courage onscreen, the photography was stunning and moody, but by the end I felt like I had been told 3/4 of a story and wasn't let in on the point. Truth be told, I left more bored with the film philosophically than I left fascinated by the imagery and the acting. Does Von Trier have a point about... I don't know... something? Or is this merely an exercise in self congratulatory film-making where the final product is meant merely for himself? It has an undeniable impact on the audience, but the pointlessness of the film simply left me shrugging my shoulders, not understanding what the fuss was about.… Expand
4 of 9 users found this helpful
1
ShaneFeb 20, 2010
This is without doubt the biggest pile of garbage i have ever seen, i was so mad at this movie and the director that i threw the dvd out of my house. Money that could have been spent on starving children
2 of 6 users found this helpful
2
GarryM.Oct 23, 2009
Great film, if you are into crap.
2 of 6 users found this helpful
0
RonOct 24, 2009
Disgusting and appalling.
2 of 6 users found this helpful
4
MarcOct 26, 2009
Some great camera work, but boils down to two characters in exponential agony and grief for 2hrs and its torture to sit through, mainly because I found no empathy with two thoroughly unlikable leads, personally I cared more for the Some great camera work, but boils down to two characters in exponential agony and grief for 2hrs and its torture to sit through, mainly because I found no empathy with two thoroughly unlikable leads, personally I cared more for the disemboweled fox. In short I became so bored with everything that was going on and by the time Gainsborough started mutilating Defoe and her own genitals I really had just lost interest, not shocking just self indulgent garbage really.… Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful
4
Paul_YoonSep 20, 2010
Too much violent and too much explicitly sexual scenes hide the 'real' value of this movie. Antichrist fails to approach the plausible ending and describe a gothic nightmare.
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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1
LetzTalkMoveezSep 15, 2011
Von Trier goes to great lengths in "Antichrist" to shock, frighten, and speak upon the devolution of marriage due to tragedy. Great, but give it to someone else. Pretentious, silly, vapid, and truly boring.
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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0
jvhawleyApr 1, 2011
Have you seen Open Water? Is it one of the worst movies you've ever seen? Well, this is ten times worse. It is disgusting, pointless, and just plain wrong. I don't know what the Criterion Collection board was thinking when they included thisHave you seen Open Water? Is it one of the worst movies you've ever seen? Well, this is ten times worse. It is disgusting, pointless, and just plain wrong. I don't know what the Criterion Collection board was thinking when they included this movie in their collection. Save yourself two hours and don't watch this heinous movie.… Expand
2 of 8 users found this helpful26
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9
HarveyBOct 27, 2009
"Antichrist" has some of the most beautiful cinematography ever seen. This is filled with metaphors and symbolism that truly captivate you into the film. This is a slasher film worth seeing, and although it gets far too graphic at times or "Antichrist" has some of the most beautiful cinematography ever seen. This is filled with metaphors and symbolism that truly captivate you into the film. This is a slasher film worth seeing, and although it gets far too graphic at times or "torture porn", it only amplifies the mood and tone of the film. Skip films like "Paranormal" activity and "Stepfather" and get this on video on demand so you can see why this is a visceral experience. you will not be disappointed.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
7
ryancarroll88Aug 26, 2010
Enmity grows between a couple after their infant dies and the husband tries to help his wife overcome her grief. Lars von Trier wrote this movie in the peak of a bout of depression, and the result probably his most provocative work to dateEnmity grows between a couple after their infant dies and the husband tries to help his wife overcome her grief. Lars von Trier wrote this movie in the peak of a bout of depression, and the result probably his most provocative work to date (which, for him, is saying a lot). It may also be his most exquisite - the first half unravels like a demonic, impressionistic dream while the last half turns into a mesmerizing nightmare. Even if the director's previous efforts haven't grabbed your attention, this movie is sure to compel you. Still, von Trier's exposed representation of carnal desire and trauma is a lot to level with for the sake of art - especially for the actors involved.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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1
TaplingerNov 17, 2010
The movie's prologue was beautifully done and promised a beautiful, if not disturbing and depressing movie to come. When Dafoe takes over his wife's therapy he becomes so pedantic that if his wife weren't insane to begin with, we couldThe movie's prologue was beautifully done and promised a beautiful, if not disturbing and depressing movie to come. When Dafoe takes over his wife's therapy he becomes so pedantic that if his wife weren't insane to begin with, we could certainly sympathize with her becoming insane later. I certainly would have been happy to kill him, and I would have preferred that to viewing the story line played out. This might have been a good film if a different character had been killed in the end. Every story needs a moral, and the unfortunate moral to this film is that von Trier should not be allowed to make any more movies until he's significantly less disturbed.… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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4
schmidtfaceFeb 12, 2011
This was one of the strangest movies I had ever seen. I would only recommend it to people that don't have anything better to do. There are worse movies out there and I should probably give it a little more than a 4 but I'll never watch itThis was one of the strangest movies I had ever seen. I would only recommend it to people that don't have anything better to do. There are worse movies out there and I should probably give it a little more than a 4 but I'll never watch it again, and don't feel like it quite deserves a 5. The movie rested entirely on the 'he' 'she' characters and if it wasn't for Defoe and Gainsborough playing the part, the story would be a sick horror perversion with a lack of substance.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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10
PanchogulSep 18, 2020
Dolor, desesperación y desconsuelo. Estas 3 palabras se manifiestan en conjunto como un narrador omnisciente, lo cual queda muy bien. Es una película verdaderamente cruda y cruel, desde el epílogo da muy mal rollo y no da lugar alguno aDolor, desesperación y desconsuelo. Estas 3 palabras se manifiestan en conjunto como un narrador omnisciente, lo cual queda muy bien. Es una película verdaderamente cruda y cruel, desde el epílogo da muy mal rollo y no da lugar alguno a momentos de felicidad ni optimismo, a mi que soy una persona que padece de trastornos mentales me llegó mucho la actuación de la esposa, cuyo desempeño es brutal, impecable y abismal, por otro lado está muy bien dirigida y hecha, sin embargo, fue demasiado para mi y dudo mucho que vuelva a verla en otra ocasión.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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7
zNeverSleepingSep 29, 2020
Descomunalmente desconfortável. Lars Von Trier sabe muito bem como construir uma atmosfera inóspita e provocante.

Audio: English, with original subtitles. Q60T 50' TV Speakers [AAC 5.1]
Quality: 1080p SDR [Bluray]
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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4
[Anonymous]Oct 23, 2009
I saw this movie in France over the summer not knowing what to expect. Based on the title, I figured it would be a campy or run-of-the-mill horror film. This is absolutely NOT the case. While the events of the film are indeed horrifying, I saw this movie in France over the summer not knowing what to expect. Based on the title, I figured it would be a campy or run-of-the-mill horror film. This is absolutely NOT the case. While the events of the film are indeed horrifying, this is not your typical horror film. People expecting a 'Hostel'-esque romp of slaughter will be bored to death until well into the movie. People expecting a movie about loss and coping with death will be scarred by the terrifying and appallingly graphic violence and mutilation towards the end of the film. And women everywhere will probably feel insulted like I did, as the film seems to suggest that a woman is featured as the title's antichrist.' A lot of the film is shot beautifully, and the acting is superb. But large chunks of the movie (the parts that aren't pornography and mutilation) are presented as a stereotypical 'art film,' and it was generally off-putting to watch, as if the director was just daring us to dislike it. And parts of it that are supposed to be taken seriously are just laughable and awkward. All I can say is that I feel bad for Willem Dafoe's genitals.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
RKWalkerMar 17, 2011
A seriously underrated film exploring grief, anxiety, madness and the ideas we cling to when placed under such stress. Defoe is our eyes and ears into the film as a rational man who, gradually, in isolation with madness, slowly leads us intoA seriously underrated film exploring grief, anxiety, madness and the ideas we cling to when placed under such stress. Defoe is our eyes and ears into the film as a rational man who, gradually, in isolation with madness, slowly leads us into the maelstrom. Chaos reigns! Exploding with ideas, beautifully shot and with two excellent leading performances, especially Gainsbourg, whose hysteria is genuinely distressing . At lot has been made of the violence, and at times it does disgust, but it is the psychological trauma on display here that truly disturbs. A great film and all the nay-sayers are wrong. Posterity will deem it so.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
unavailableDec 14, 2010
antichrist, directed by lars von trier

it's about more than being top banana in the shock dept. if you consider antichrist violent then you haven't seen enough films. the violence is mundane. the violence is at select moments amid aantichrist, directed by lars von trier

it's about more than being top banana in the shock dept.

if you consider antichrist violent then you haven't seen enough films. the violence is mundane. the violence is at select moments amid a storyline. if you're too dumb to see past human anatomy, blood, and sexual excitement you'll probably reject it and become territorial slamming the door on the stranger or react with the defenses of a jackass using quips and humor because sincerity is your achilles heel. not everybody has the association of pain and strong love but those that do could learn something from the film. it's a love story. he loves his wife. we see the archetype of the fall from the first death to the return to eden. it's the mystery of life. we all pretend we know what we're doing until it begins collapsing. the more you know about what lies in the parameters of being human the less likely you are to be stable. the bodies in the trees roots highlight what is about to happen is a tradition.
the path is reenacted. he loves her. he is overwhelmed by chaos.
the witchcraft, the mutilation, the pain, just parameters of being human but a lead in to the crux of christ and the main characters big decision.
he could have forgiven her and loved her but he kills her. he denies the light of christ. it's allegoric. the swarm of women in the woods following her death are symbolic of the seeds to grow eden again.
it's my opinion the reappearing animals, including the talking fox, are the soul of god. god is present in the chaos.

it's a modern classic, like irreversible, a couple of cheerleaders with pom pom's chanting, flesh is weak! flesh is weak! the light and shadow in the cinematography that's one thing. the light and shadow in the subtext of the characters emotions and fate, that's where the bar is raised.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
JohnmojoJan 25, 2011
Irresponsible stupid and unoriginal. Dafoe and Gainsbourg are good. It is a shame that they showed their genitals for this movie. This movie does not deserve there genitals. All that nudity and not once is it erotic. Its probably all theIrresponsible stupid and unoriginal. Dafoe and Gainsbourg are good. It is a shame that they showed their genitals for this movie. This movie does not deserve there genitals. All that nudity and not once is it erotic. Its probably all the violence torture and mutilation mixed in with the sex that makes it so unerotic. A beautiful actor and actress and one big ugly film. I feel much like I did after watching requiem for a daydream, empty confused and upset. Ingmar Bergman would have laughed at this movie. Persona a masterpiece in cinema was unsettling and personal to the point of making the audience uncomfortable but is always a pleasure to watch truly a beautiful film. This is not that and showed not be even mentioned in the same sentence. Anti christ does not have a memorable line or story in it. A couple looses their son in a tragic accident they go into the woods and go crazy. Slasher film with a pornographic edge wrapped up in an art house movie. At least when I watch a porno I know what it is. I believe john waters was given a compliment in the seventies when porn was hip and someone said one of his movies was beyond porn but anti christ is not new or original it is Very one dimensional without any meaning or truth to it. At least a john waters movie is done with a sense of fun and it makes you laugh at the absurdity of it all. This movie is mean and malicious with very little redeeming qualities. Slow motion photography extreme close ups and visceral sound effects are all done with good technique reminiscent of david lynch movie without david lynch and the direction of a great film maker.… Expand
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7
ZakkAttackkJun 7, 2011
An intellectually stimulating horror film. I loved it. It's not the kind of horror movie for your average film goer. This is a dialogue driven work of art. It requires your full attention; missing only one line of dialogue could honestly ruinAn intellectually stimulating horror film. I loved it. It's not the kind of horror movie for your average film goer. This is a dialogue driven work of art. It requires your full attention; missing only one line of dialogue could honestly ruin the rest of the film for you.… Expand
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10
ZiggyStardustJun 17, 2011
Masterfully directed and superbly acted. This movie will devour you and your soul. Von Trier is bloody magnificient. Too bad, that many people don't really understand the depth and the metaphors in this masterpiece.
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7
ScrewinMooSep 7, 2011
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I recall, a couple of years ago reading that Lars von Trier had shocked the film establishment by unavailing this cathartic and dark piece at the Cannes festival. At that point I earmarked it for later viewing as I thoroughly enjoyed what Iâ… Expand
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8
4DFilmsOct 15, 2012
I found an intreresting take on Antichrist here: http://4thdimensionfilms.wordpress.com/

Throughout much of human history, the forest has always been considered a place of danger and foreboding and in Lars Von Trier
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9
DelixuMay 19, 2012
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Let me start off by saying "Do not watch Antichrist unless you like the art of cinema". There, we got that out of the way. Now, let me explain why. Antichrist is a film where Lars von Trier tries to tell a story that would usually be far too deep to be shown on the big screen. However, he succeeds. Antichrist is not a misogynistic film, it is the cry feminists have been waiting for for so long, to stand up and shout "that is what it has been like. we want it to change!". Antichrist is, in part, a historic tale of women, combined with an explicit (sometimes too explicit) journey into human psyche.… Expand
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10
MarkAngelFeb 5, 2013
For better or for worse, (probably) there shall never be another film like Antichrist.
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9
Ceno_BitesMay 15, 2013
I have no idea why any critic would give this movie a poor review. I am a HUGE horror movie follower, all things past and present, classic and novel, serious and tounge-in-cheek. You get the picture... Well for me this movie was not justI have no idea why any critic would give this movie a poor review. I am a HUGE horror movie follower, all things past and present, classic and novel, serious and tounge-in-cheek. You get the picture... Well for me this movie was not just great. It was profound. Primarily because it executes with a complex narrative that weaves on itself, has reacquiring visuals that add layers to the story, and most of all was original in every possible way. So many horrors and thrillers fail to be original. Especially when the subject is Satan, Antichrist, etc. It is easy to fall into cliche. However, Lars von Trier is amazingly, mind-expandingly original with this film: plot, acting, visuals/ cinematography, musi, sound fx, and in what you actually find horrifying! Nothing I've every seen before is similar to this unique horror story! Lars von Trier took risks in how me made this film and they superbly paid off.… Expand
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1
hopefulcynicMar 22, 2016
The acting was brilliant, but with Willem Dafoe what else would you expect. The director should seek professional help. I feel bad that Mr Dafoe was dragged into this mess. The movie starts off like it may be thought provoking, but thatThe acting was brilliant, but with Willem Dafoe what else would you expect. The director should seek professional help. I feel bad that Mr Dafoe was dragged into this mess. The movie starts off like it may be thought provoking, but that wasn't the case. Just a "how many **** up images can we put into one movie" flick. If it wasn't for the two leading actors this movie would be in the same bin as Human Centipede.… Expand
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8
nirvanafreakOct 29, 2015
Its disturbing at times but the cinematography is beautiful at many points in the movie, although sometimes there's a few pointless shots throughout. Lars Von Trier got the creepy atmosphere just right on this one
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9
MattBrady99Jul 13, 2015
She: "Nature is Satan's church".

The story is about a grieving couple retreat to 'Eden', their isolated cabin in the woods, where they hope to repair their broken hearts and troubled marriage. But nature takes its course and things go fromShe: "Nature is Satan's church".

The story is about a grieving couple retreat to 'Eden', their isolated cabin in the woods, where they hope to repair their broken hearts and troubled marriage. But nature takes its course and things go from bad to worse.

The meaning of Antichrist can be best described as a person or thing regarded as supremely evil or as a fundamental enemy or opponen (the battle between Christ and the Antichrist). A film like Antichrist must viewed more then once as I feel most of the audiences may or may not understand the film and the films symbolism. I know this just by the reviews that this movie got and it's shockingly bad, I mean really low ratings from some people and one article called this movie "An arty value mess", from some sh*tty movie magazine. The movie also got booed at the Cannes Film Festival and I'm here shock about all this, because Antichrist was a great movie and a much better film then what I heard from people. Is it f**ked up? yes and it can put some people off by it's gory sexual imagine, but it's the special kind of f**ked up that makes the movie and it's symbolism work by it's hidden messages and it's graphic imagine to get that message across.

Charlottle Gainsbourg did a outstanding and believable performance as the damaged mother. Her scenes with her dealing with the lost of her son was truly heartbreaking. She questions life and blames herself for what happened and I did felt like the world was ending on her and she did so brilliant in this movie.

Willem Dafoe also did a brilliant performance in this movie. Dafoe is always great in everything and I'm not talking Speed 2 or Spider-Man. I'm only talking about movies that he was in that he did a great performance in and in Antichrist he once again did. Same with Charlottle Gainsbourg I believed he's pain and hard work of trying to keep he's wife from losing it and all of that is shown in Dafoe performance and it was excellent.

Willem and Charlotte character's don't have names in the movie but they only known as He and She which is kind of interesting as they names main a mystery. I like that the movie doesn't give the character's in the movie names and the fact that the other people in the movie they faces are blurred so you really don't who they are as Willem and Charlotte are the only ones not to get they face blurred. It gives you the viewer thinking about that and the hidden meaning of it.

The director of the film Lars Von Trier who is the type of director that puts he's own style and true art to he's films, because the movies that he directed that I've seen so far have that unique arty style to it that make me feel that the director what's to show true art to cinema, but I also noticed that he sometimes re-use shots or the type of sound in his later movies as it's art style I guest? Like the slow motion shots in Antichrist will later be use in the film Melancholia. The opening to Antichrist will also be re-use in Nymphomaniac, so it's very clear that this director will make something brilliantly artistic in his movie and thought to do it again later on, yeah one of those directors. But all that aside I think Lars Von Trier directing in this movie was well done and quite unique in a artistic style.

Antichrist has probably one of the best opening to a movie I've seen. It's all shot in slow motion and it's black and white with some beautiful music playing in the background. When I saw that opening scene I known straight away that this movie is going to be fantastic and it was.

Now the hidden symbolism in Antichrist can be easily analysis like these a scene and this isn't a spoiler so your save here, but anywhere Dafoe character comes across a fox that he thought was sleeping but that wasn't the case as the fox wasn't sleeping or resting but more like eating it's self. I thought about this and maybe this might be a symbolism of Dafoe character eating it's own guilt and this is shown by the fox eating itself, I mean he might be seeing the fox, because him and he's wife feel guilty for they sons death. What makes it worse is the fox saying "Chaos Reigns".

The movie is really messed up and I really do mean that. It left me feeling cold for half an hour. It's been about four days since I've seen the movie and after putting my thoughts together and what I think the movies hidden message can easily be spoiled to some who may have interest on seeing this movie, so I'm just going to leave you with that thought in mind of what the movie is about and how messed up the movie is going to make you feel.

For problems with the movie: I only have a little problem with the movie and that's it's really hard to take seriously sometimes just because of how over the top it is. But that's it really.

Overall Antichrist is a fantastic experimental horror movie with beautiful shots, excellent directing and brilliant acting from Dafor and Charlotte.… Expand
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6
RobertBroganSep 27, 2015
Lars von Trier is a talented and imaginative director. I find his films interesting, but never exactly "like" them. Antichrist is not so much horrifying as alternatively interesting and repugnant. The graphic bits feel out-of-place and in badLars von Trier is a talented and imaginative director. I find his films interesting, but never exactly "like" them. Antichrist is not so much horrifying as alternatively interesting and repugnant. The graphic bits feel out-of-place and in bad taste; it is as if the film is saying: "Now be horrified!" If the film is working psychologically, there is no need for that, and if it is not then inserting graphic elements do not exactly help. Cannot recommend the film to anyone. Horror fans will not find the film scary. Art-house fans will probably be put off.… Expand
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5
AproxxAug 14, 2018
I admit the movie is great at making you feel bad, deppressed (and oppressed) with imagery and visuals, incredible acting from both leads, and graphic and painful scenes.

So that's great. But what Im not so sure is: What's the point of allI admit the movie is great at making you feel bad, deppressed (and oppressed) with imagery and visuals, incredible acting from both leads, and graphic and painful scenes.

So that's great.

But what Im not so sure is: What's the point of all this?

The themes (self hatred, deppression, guilt) are all there, but I feel they lose coherence. Its like it touches so many dark human emotions that it ends in kind of a contradiction.

SPOILERS..............................................................

I felt that a good theme of the movie was how men deal with painful emotions by just abusing women and taking advantage in the more emotional female to let them charge with all the guilt in a given situation of shared guilt (like in this case)... Like a message of how men just reppress those emotions and results in anger against women, explaining misogyny (or whatever)... But if that's a dumb reading of the movie, its just doesn't hold up anyway..… Expand
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4
pwasilewskaJun 28, 2017
I'm not really sure if I understood it very well. Von Trier is always trying to be so original. It moved me, but unfortunately it doesn't mean it was a good movie. Maybe I'm just not a fun of that kind of art. I need to watch it again toI'm not really sure if I understood it very well. Von Trier is always trying to be so original. It moved me, but unfortunately it doesn't mean it was a good movie. Maybe I'm just not a fun of that kind of art. I need to watch it again to check if my opinion stay the same.… Expand
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9
JLuis_001Sep 6, 2017
I love the darkness of its narrative, I love strength of Gainsbourg's performance and the mediation of Dafoe.

The whole nature of the film is a conceptualization of pain and loss and also of rage and violence. Certainly one of the finestI love the darkness of its narrative, I love strength of Gainsbourg's performance and the mediation of Dafoe.

The whole nature of the film is a conceptualization of pain and loss and also of rage and violence.

Certainly one of the finest works of Lars Von Trier.… Expand
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6
Tcurran2Dec 23, 2017
Lars Von Trier's controversial film is not for the faint of heart. Or even for those who don't consider themselves faint of heart. Or for small children. Or really, for anybody at all. It is quite a curious film, as it were. Its breathtakingLars Von Trier's controversial film is not for the faint of heart. Or even for those who don't consider themselves faint of heart. Or for small children. Or really, for anybody at all. It is quite a curious film, as it were. Its breathtaking cinematography is juxtaposed with its sickeningly depraved subject matter, whose philosophical musings on the nature of mankind (or rather, womankind) and misogyny, are probably less thought provoking or effective then Von Trier would've liked. But then again, who knows what Von Trier was aiming for, exactly? The notoriously mischievous auteur would hardly give a straight answer if asked. This film crosses the threshold from art-house to nuthouse after a particularly sickening scene involving genital mutilation, which, if you'll take my word (and believe me, you should) would not be prudent to go into detail. Still, this film manages to maintain a powerful hold over the viewer, for better or for worse.… Expand
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7
drone41Feb 9, 2018
Great acting and very sick and tense plot. Filled with symbols and sickness, but that's too much for me.
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8
FilipeNetoOct 6, 2018
When I first started watching this movie I thought it would be just another horror junk but I was wrong. It's one of the most painful movies that I've seen in my entire life. Its not properly horror because it doesn't frighten us, despiteWhen I first started watching this movie I thought it would be just another horror junk but I was wrong. It's one of the most painful movies that I've seen in my entire life. Its not properly horror because it doesn't frighten us, despite having shocking and graphic scenes, but it also takes us totally out of our comfort zone. Its not pornographic, although making use of strong sex scenes and the camera, sometimes, do some frontal shots of the actor's genitalia. What is it then? I don't know, perhaps a mixture of everything, wrapped in lots of philosophy and tied with religion strings.

The film is separated into chapters (Preface, Grief, Pain - Chaos Reigns, Despair - Gynocide and Epilogue) and essentially addresses the process of madness of a mother after the death of her child. None of the characters have a name. They are what they are. Its possible that the Wife feels guilty: there is a moment when it seems that she understands what will happen to her son but chooses not to interrupt intercourse. The film uses mourning to address issues such as fear (and the way we face it), pain, anxiety and shock. At one point, Husband, who is a psychologist, decides to take the Wife to a forest that he knows frightens her, to show her that even our worst fears can be beaten. But in the middle of that hostile environment, Wife will conclude that Evil is a part of the Nature and manifests specially in women, so Nature ends up being the Antichrist and Woman ends up being a vehicle for Evil. There's a lot of philosophy and religion implicit in this part of the movie, and so it takes a bit of brain to figure it all out. I will not say how it ends or what happens next, but I think its wise to warn you that there are real shocking scenes, particularly for the women in the audience. In fact, many critics accused Lars Von Trier of being misogynist here.

Although the script can be shocking and even sadistic sometimes, the film presents itself as a work of art. Cinematography is perfect, with a very elaborate color and light, a great care in the details, great visual effects and a wise use of blur and black and white. The prologue is full of sad poetry, and we see everything happening to the sound of the famous aria "Lascia ch'io pianga", from the Handel's opera "Rinaldo" (one of the most beautiful arias of baroque opera). The end repeats this formula. Sound effects are excellent, and the idea of ​​using acorns falling on the roof as a sound effect to amplify dramatic tension was truly brilliant.

There's still time to talk about the actors. We almost only have the two mains characters, starring Willem Dafoe and Charlotte Gainsburg. Both were fully up to the challenge, particularly her, with a performance that was intense, painful and insane. I really don't know to what extent such a dramatic exercise could affect me psychologically, but I'm not a professional actor. She really deserved the award for Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival, and it was really sad that Hollywood Academy didn't valued this film.

This film, according to what I read, is the first of the "Depression Trilogy", as Von Trier was healing from a depression while filming, so his mental state may have had weight in scriptwriting. I don't agree with some critics who said that this movie is full of gore. There's more gore in "Hostel" or any movie in the "Saw" franchise than here. The problem is that the few gore here can shock us three times more because it makes more sense and we almost feel the pain and despair of the characters.

Personally I enjoyed this film, I was quite surprised. It was my first contact with Lars Von Trier's work and I will certainly look for his other films, but I understand who didn't like it. Even my mother would hate this movie, and I can understand why. It's not a movie up for anyone or any audience. You have to be prepared.… Expand
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8
LegitSaltMay 29, 2018
Boy, was this a strange watch. Starting off with a brutally excellent opening scene, objectively the best that I have seen. Upon a second and then a third viewing, I simply can't help but marvel at the reincorporation and emotion beingBoy, was this a strange watch. Starting off with a brutally excellent opening scene, objectively the best that I have seen. Upon a second and then a third viewing, I simply can't help but marvel at the reincorporation and emotion being handled and dished out simultaneously. The following sequences are also quite good, and at times better, but do eventually fall off. Although it may not your typical horror film, it provides its own sort of horror, that causes uneasiness. Willem Dafoe continues with another great entry in his portfolio of film. Von Trier's craftsmanship is very apparent throughout the majority of the piece, especially during wooded scenes. Our female lead is in an interesting position during this movie, portraying someone who believes herself to be an embodiment of Satan. This causes several wincing body horror scenes, including self-mutilation, blood ejaculation, and leg drilling. She almost appears to play several characters throughout the film; a naive mother, a mourning mother, and at the same time a woman-hating being. Even now, as I recall the flashbacks wherein she tortures her newborn, I audibly wince. Unfortunately, this movie is not flawless, and there are several ridiculous moments that caused me to laugh or smile. One of these being the, often referred to shot, of the fox screeching the words 'Chaos Reigns'. This is also a brutally slow movie, starting with a sprint, then coming to a crawl. I can't help but appreciate and enjoy this film, and I think that others should too, but I understand that this is not a film for all. If you think that you want to sit through this, please do try.… Expand
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7
mahdimeshkateeNov 28, 2019
this is specially a good one. it starts magnificently and shows us the odd mind of von trier and how he sees the world on a surreal journey.
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7
NickTheCritickNov 3, 2021
This film is the first of Von Trier's "Depression Trilogy". The Danish director here shoots this film that starts out as a pure drama and ends up becoming a dark, violent and distressing psychological horror. A film undoubtedly not suitableThis film is the first of Von Trier's "Depression Trilogy". The Danish director here shoots this film that starts out as a pure drama and ends up becoming a dark, violent and distressing psychological horror. A film undoubtedly not suitable for everyone.… Expand
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0
Aaryan16Dec 21, 2021
The most boring movie I've ever seen. It starts out at a intense yet slow pace but fails to keep the energy going. Went in this movie expecting intelligent horror but left with a good nap.
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8
FoxHound24Jun 10, 2022
Kind of mixed on this one. On the one hand there's this scene with a fox, at first I thought the fox was dead, but then he woke up and started talking, so I guess that's pretty alright.
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