Movies: Compulsion (2024) by Neil Marshall: A Nineties Throwback Erotic Thriller
- dailyentertainment95
- 5 days ago
- 6 min read
Sun, Seduction, and Serial Murders A Deadly Game of Cat and Mouse in Malta Compulsion, a 2024 thriller from director Neil Marshall, is a throwback to the erotic thrillers of the 1980s and '90s. The film is set on the island of Malta, where two women, the flamboyant and ruthless thief Diana (Charlotte Kirk) and the seemingly innocent Evie (Anna-Maria Sieklucka), become embroiled in a series of horrifying murders. What starts as a potentially lucrative con game and a seductive affair spirals into a deadly cover-up as a local detective closes in, forcing the women into a twisted game of cat and mouse where trust is a fatal flaw. The film is Rated R for strong bloody violence, grisly images, strong sexual content, nudity, and language.
Why to recommend this movie: A Genre Film for Fans of the Nineties A Stylized Erotic Thriller with a Giallo Twist
A nostalgic genre revival: The film is an intentional return to the erotic thriller genre, which has largely fallen out of favor in mainstream cinema. Director Neil Marshall infuses the film with a stylish, unapologetically "sleazy" vibe, reminiscent of classics like Basic Instinct and Single White Female. This makes the film a compelling watch for fans of the genre and those looking for a different kind of cinematic experience.
Psychological and visceral thrills: While the film is a thriller at its core, it also incorporates elements of the Italian giallo genre. It features a mysterious killer in a mask, stark visuals, and a focus on psychological tension and over-the-top violence. This blend of styles creates an unsettling atmosphere that balances psychological mind games with gory, visceral action.
A showcase of style and choreography: The film is praised for its stylistic choices and a particularly memorable, six-minute fight sequence shot in a single take. This scene is noted for its realistic depiction of violence and intricate choreography, setting it apart from typical thrillers and showcasing Marshall's unique directorial flair.
Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/compulsion-2024 (US), https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/compulsion-2024 (Canada)
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26744645/
What is the Trend followed? The Erotic Thriller Revival
The film is a direct participant in the "Erotic Thriller Revival," a trend in modern cinema where filmmakers are consciously harking back to the steamy and violent thrillers that were popular in the 1980s and 1990s.
This genre, defined by its blend of psychological suspense and explicit sexual content, is deliberately explored in Compulsion.
Director Neil Marshall's intention to "tick those boxes" of the genre, including its stylized violence and moral ambiguity, positions the film as a key example of this cinematic movement.
Director's Vision: Ticking the Boxes of a Giallo Film
A throwback to a beloved genre: Director Neil Marshall's vision was to make a "giallo film in Malta." He wanted to "tick those boxes" of the classic genre, which include a masked killer, razor blades, and leather gloves.
A gender-swapped twist on a classic: Marshall intentionally plays with genre conventions by having the killers be women, a "little twist on the Psycho vibe," and by having a very stylized and raw feel, as if the film were shot in the 1960s or '70s.
A raw and realistic aesthetic: Marshall chose to present the film's violence in a starkly realistic way, highlighted by a six-minute, single-take fight sequence that is both "gory and exhausting" in its depiction of a real-world fight for survival.
Themes: Deception, Compulsion, and a Lack of Trust
Deception: A central theme is the idea that everyone is deceiving everyone else. The film's plot is built on a series of cons and double-crosses, where no character can be fully trusted.
Compulsion: The title itself points to the obsessive and uncontrollable urges that drive the characters. Whether it is a compulsion for murder, sex, or money, the characters are shown to be slaves to their darkest desires.
The fragility of trust: The relationship between the two main characters is constantly tested by suspicion and betrayal. Their intense affair is built on a foundation of lies, and the film explores how quickly trust can shatter under pressure.
Key success factors: Gritty Realism and a Chilling Twist
Visually compelling setting: The island of Malta serves as a stunning backdrop for the unfolding horror. The film takes advantage of the beautiful scenery to create a contrast between the vibrant, sun-soaked setting and the dark, grisly events.
Bold and uncompromising premise: The film's willingness to lean into its R-rated content and controversial themes is one of its biggest strengths. It is not afraid to be "sleazy" and "lurid," which gives it a distinct identity in an age of more sanitized thrillers.
Strong chemistry between leads: The chemistry between Charlotte Kirk and Anna-Maria Sieklucka keeps the tension sizzling throughout the film. Their dynamic, as neither character knows if they can trust the other, is the engine of the plot and the source of its most compelling moments.
Awards & Nominations: A Niche Acclaim for a Bold Film
There are no known awards or nominations for Compulsion. The film's critical and audience reviews, while not overwhelmingly positive, suggest a niche acclaim for its ambitious and unconventional approach to a serious topic.
Critics Reception: A Polarizing Return to a Glorious, Sleazy Past
Eye for Film: Praises the film as an "above average example of the genre," highlighting its style, the chemistry between the lead actresses, and a standout, six-minute action sequence. The review notes that the film "never takes itself too seriously" and that fans of the genre will have a good time.
Metacritic: The film has one available critic review, which gives it a score of 5.0 out of 10.
Mark Reviews Movies: Finds the film "admirable" for its pure sleaziness but critiques the "clunky" dialogue and awkward staging of intimate scenes. The review states that the film is "cheap, sexy, and brutal fun," but ultimately suffers from a loose script and incompetent-looking performances from the supporting cast.
Overall, the reviews for Compulsion are sharply divided. Critics who appreciate the film celebrate its bold, unapologetic return to the erotic thriller genre of the 80s and 90s, praising Neil Marshall's directorial style and the atmospheric setting. On the other hand, negative reviews point to a "cheap" feel, cringey dialogue, and stilted performances from the supporting cast. The film is not for everyone; its success depends entirely on the viewer's appreciation for its specific, throwback genre. It's a film for those who miss the "sleaze" of a bygone era and are willing to overlook its flaws for a lurid, bloody good time.
Reviews: Intriguing but Not for Everyone
IMDb Users: The user rating of 5.6 out of 10 from 68 votes suggests a highly divided reception, with viewers either appreciating the film's bold throwback style or being put off by its B-movie sensibilities and perceived shortcomings in dialogue and acting. There are no detailed, featured user reviews available at this time.
Overall, user reviews are extremely polarizing. While many viewers found the film to be an eye-opening and powerful experience, others felt that it failed to deliver on its promise. The general sentiment points to a film that viewers either love or hate, with very little in-between.
Movie Trend: The Resurgence of the Erotic Thriller
The film is a direct participant in the "Erotic Thriller Revival," a trend in modern cinema where filmmakers are consciously harking back to the steamy and violent thrillers that were popular in the 1980s and 1990s. Films like Basic Instinct, Fatal Attraction, and Single White Female defined the genre by combining psychological suspense with explicit sexual content. Compulsion embraces this formula fully, with director Neil Marshall noting his intention to "tick those boxes" of the genre and even incorporate elements of Italian giallo films. This trend represents a deliberate shift away from the more sanitized thrillers of recent years, offering audiences a more provocative and unapologetic cinematic experience.
Social Trend: The Dark Side of Trust in a Post-Truth World
Compulsion taps into a broader social anxiety about trust and deception. In a modern society where personal relationships and online interactions are increasingly filtered and curated, the film explores the dark consequences of not being able to trust those closest to you. The plot is built on a foundation of lies, a con game, and a hidden killer, forcing the characters to question every motive and every action. The film's emphasis on paranoia and betrayal reflects a cultural anxiety about authenticity and the dangers of a world where appearances are deceiving and secrets can be deadly.
Final Verdict: A Guilty Pleasure for a Niche Audience
Compulsion is a polarizing film that will likely be adored by a specific audience and dismissed by others. It is an unashamedly stylish and sexy throwback to a genre that has been dormant for decades. For fans of classic erotic thrillers and giallo cinema, it offers a refreshing and visceral experience, complete with stunning Maltese scenery, a compelling central dynamic between the two leads, and a standout action sequence. However, its weak supporting performances and clunky dialogue may make it feel like a low-budget, direct-to-video film to the uninitiated. In the end, its success lies in its commitment to its own lurid, B-movie identity.
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