THE LOVED ONES
Official Site:
Cast: Xavier Samuel, Robin McLeavy, Jessica McNamee, John Brumpton, Victoria Thaine Rating: MA15+ for Strong Horror Violence, Strong Themes. Originally rated R18+ for High Impact Violence. Tagline: Don't Break Her Heart. Theatrical Release: November 4, 2010 Retail Release: March 16, 2011 BOX OFFICE: Winning awards the world over really is the reason this awesome flick is getting Theatrical Release in Australia. Opening weekend, the film flopped majorly. Released to a quite generous 89 screens (for a low-budget flick) the film bombed with a $119,848. Take a look back to November 2009 when "Case 39" was released to a smaller 85 screen count. It grossed 175,000. 2nd weekend the film lost 50% of power, and is on par with "Case 39"'s $330,000 Special Features: * Audio Commentary * 2 Short films * Meet the Cast and Crew * The Super Awesome Featurette * Toronto Festival Premiere * Gag Reel * Trailers |
Plot Synopsis, Review
Rejected by Brent as she asked to go to the school dance with him, Lola and her father kidnap Brent and make him pay for it.
Wow. This film is sicker than Wolf Creek. Us Aussie's sure know how to create a monster, and "The Loved Ones" is a pure example of a low-budget flick that works on every level. The film was scary, not your average 'oh my god i never saw that coming' scary because you know in advance whats about to happen, but the film's psycho villians are what brings the flick to horrifying level. Comedy was also a crucial part in the film's succeedence in keeping you entertained. Lola and her father are two peas in a pod, and they were funny in some of the shit they did. I must admit, as much as the film maintained pacing and entertainment factors, useless characters took up too much screen-time and the ending was so beautifully crafted and executed to the point I felt like cheering.
The plot is simple. Seemingly innocent girl rejected and take revenge (which has happened more than once). The characters were likeable (in a sadistic way the villians too) and the blood and gore was great too. As a horror maniac, the only thing that makes me cringe is when penetration of the skin happens, whether it be a fork, hammer/nail, or even a drill, this movie has it all. So glad this is in Aussie cinemas because shelved straight-to-DVD would be a shame.
The acting was great. Xavier Samuel (although doesn't talk at all after 15 minutes) was great as the heroic Brent, fighting for his life. He was terrible in Road Train, but this flick proves he has what it takes to be a great actor. Robin McLeavy is one sick bitch playing Lola in her first leading theatrical role. She played innocent, terrifying and scared excellently, and in those last few moments was utterly amazing. John Brumpton played Daddy, and was incestly good. Jess McNamee was one of the useless characters, really having little to do with the actual plot. She plays a emo girl good though.
Overall "The Loved Ones" is Aussie horror at it's best, and is definately going to be of cult status soon enough. My rating is 3.5/5.
Wow. This film is sicker than Wolf Creek. Us Aussie's sure know how to create a monster, and "The Loved Ones" is a pure example of a low-budget flick that works on every level. The film was scary, not your average 'oh my god i never saw that coming' scary because you know in advance whats about to happen, but the film's psycho villians are what brings the flick to horrifying level. Comedy was also a crucial part in the film's succeedence in keeping you entertained. Lola and her father are two peas in a pod, and they were funny in some of the shit they did. I must admit, as much as the film maintained pacing and entertainment factors, useless characters took up too much screen-time and the ending was so beautifully crafted and executed to the point I felt like cheering.
The plot is simple. Seemingly innocent girl rejected and take revenge (which has happened more than once). The characters were likeable (in a sadistic way the villians too) and the blood and gore was great too. As a horror maniac, the only thing that makes me cringe is when penetration of the skin happens, whether it be a fork, hammer/nail, or even a drill, this movie has it all. So glad this is in Aussie cinemas because shelved straight-to-DVD would be a shame.
The acting was great. Xavier Samuel (although doesn't talk at all after 15 minutes) was great as the heroic Brent, fighting for his life. He was terrible in Road Train, but this flick proves he has what it takes to be a great actor. Robin McLeavy is one sick bitch playing Lola in her first leading theatrical role. She played innocent, terrifying and scared excellently, and in those last few moments was utterly amazing. John Brumpton played Daddy, and was incestly good. Jess McNamee was one of the useless characters, really having little to do with the actual plot. She plays a emo girl good though.
Overall "The Loved Ones" is Aussie horror at it's best, and is definately going to be of cult status soon enough. My rating is 3.5/5.