New Movies: The Visitor (2024) by Bruce LaBruce

The Visitor (2024) by Bruce LaBruce: Unsettling Encounters in a German Villa

Description: "The Visitor" (2024) is a German-Canadian thriller-horror film directed by Bruce LaBruce. Known for his transgressive and often controversial cinema, LaBruce's latest feature delves into themes of sexual identity, power dynamics, and the uncanny, set within a seemingly idyllic German villa. The film centers on the arrival of a mysterious, sexually ambiguous stranger whose presence begins to unravel the lives of the villa's inhabitants, blurring lines between desire, fear, and the supernatural.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30414712/

Link Review: https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/the-visitor-review-bruce-labruce-1234954946/

About movie: https://a-political.org/projects/the-visitor/

Link to watch (professional screening): https://pro.festivalscope.com/film/the-visitor-7

Release Date on Streaming: No specific streaming release dates have been announced yet, as it will likely complete its festival circuit and seek distribution partners.

Theatrical Release:

• World Premiere: Fantasia International Film Festival (Montreal, Canada) - July 2024

• European Premiere: Fantasy Filmfest (Germany) - August 2024

• Other Festival Screenings: Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia 2024 (October 2024)

Detailed Summary: The film opens in a secluded, atmospheric villa in Germany, where a seemingly ordinary family or group of residents resides. Their tranquility is disrupted by the unexpected arrival of "The Visitor" (portrayed by Kevin Clarke, an actor often associated with LaBruce's work). This stranger is characterized by an ambiguous gender presentation and an unsettling charisma that immediately draws the attention of the villa's inhabitants.

As The Visitor integrates into their lives, a series of increasingly strange and unsettling events begin to unfold. Their presence acts as a catalyst, slowly exposing the hidden desires, repressed anxieties, and dormant sexual tensions within the household. The film uses a slow-burn approach, building an atmosphere of psychological unease and dread. The narrative explores how The Visitor's allure, coupled with their mysterious nature, challenges the established norms and identities of those around them. LaBruce often uses stark visual contrasts and unsettling soundscapes to create a sense of discomfort. The plot escalates towards a climax where the true nature of The Visitor and their impact on the residents is revealed, blurring the lines between psychological thriller, body horror, and potentially supernatural elements, typical of LaBruce's provocative style. The film aims to be both a critique of conventional morality and a visceral exploration of forbidden desires and their consequences.

Plot Summary:

• Arrival of the Stranger: A mysterious, sexually ambiguous individual arrives at a secluded German villa.

• Unsettling Presence: The Visitor's presence begins to disrupt the lives and expose the hidden desires of the inhabitants.

• Escalating Uncanny: A series of strange and increasingly unsettling events unfold, building an atmosphere of dread.

• Blurring Boundaries: The film explores themes of sexual identity, power, and fear, leading to a climax that blurs reality and the uncanny.

Director's Vision: Bruce LaBruce's vision for "The Visitor" is to continue his exploration of transgressive themes and subvert traditional cinematic narratives, particularly within the horror genre. He aims to use the unsettling figure of "The Visitor" to challenge conventional notions of gender, sexuality, and desire, pushing audiences to confront their own biases and fears. LaBruce often employs a blend of grotesque, erotic, and darkly humorous elements to create a unique and often disturbing cinematic experience. With "The Visitor," he likely seeks to create a tense psychological atmosphere that slowly unravels, emphasizing the unsettling power of the unknown and the transformative nature of desire when confronted with radical alterity.

Themes:

• Sexual Identity and Ambiguity: Explores fluid identities and challenges traditional gender and sexual norms through the enigmatic character of The Visitor.

• The Uncanny and Otherness: Focuses on the discomfort and fear evoked by something that is simultaneously familiar and strangely alien, particularly in the context of an outsider disrupting a confined space.

• Repression and Desire: Delves into the hidden desires and repressed anxieties of the characters, brought to the surface by The Visitor's provocative presence.

• Power Dynamics and Control: Examines shifts in power within the household as The Visitor exerts an influence over the residents.

• Body Horror and Transformation: Likely includes elements of physical and psychological transformation, characteristic of LaBruce's work.

Key Success Factors (Anticipated):

• LaBruce's Distinctive Style: Fans of Bruce LaBruce will be drawn to his signature blend of provocative themes, dark humor, and avant-garde aesthetic.

• Intriguing Premise: The mysterious arrival of an unsettling stranger in a confined setting is a classic horror trope, given a unique twist by LaBruce.

• Exploration of Taboo Subjects: The film's willingness to delve into challenging themes of sexuality and identity in a raw manner ensures it stands out.

• Atmospheric Tension: LaBruce's ability to create a sense of unease and psychological dread is a likely strength.

Summary Short: "The Visitor" (2024) is a German-Canadian thriller-horror film directed by Bruce LaBruce. Set in a German villa, it follows the unsettling arrival of a mysterious, sexually ambiguous stranger whose presence unravels the lives of the inhabitants, exploring themes of identity, desire, and the uncanny. The film had its world premiere at the Fantasia International Film Festival in July 2024.

Awards and Nominations:

• World Premiere: Fantasia International Film Festival 2024 (Montreal, Canada).

• European Premiere: Fantasy Filmfest 2024 (Germany).

• Official Selection: Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia 2024.

Critics Reception: As a 2024 festival premiere, critical reception for "The Visitor" is just beginning to emerge. Given Bruce LaBruce's controversial nature, reviews are likely to be polarized, praised by those who appreciate his transgressive style and criticized by those who find it too explicit or unsettling.

• Fantasia Film Festival: Its selection for a major genre festival like Fantasia suggests it has a distinct artistic voice and appeal to audiences interested in unconventional horror and thrillers.

Reviews: Detailed reviews are still limited due to its recent premiere. Early indications from festival descriptions suggest:

• Festival Guides: Highlight its "unsettling," "provocative," and "subversive" nature, emphasizing LaBruce's unique take on the home invasion/creature feature subgenres. They often note its exploration of sexuality and the uncanny.

• Audience Reactions (early festival screenings): Likely to be varied, with some appreciating its audacity and artistic merit, while others may find its themes or explicit content challenging.

• Overall Summary: Reviews will likely focus on its effectiveness as a psychological thriller, its engagement with queer themes, and how it fits within LaBruce's broader filmography.

Production: "The Visitor (2024)" is a German-Canadian co-production. Its runtime is 85 minutes (1 hour 25 minutes). It is presented in color and primarily in English and German. The film was written and directed by Bruce LaBruce. The cinematography was handled by James Markert.

Production Companies:

• Jünglinge Film: (Germany)

• Celluloid Cutie: (Canada)

• With support from Nordmedia Film- und Mediengesellschaft Niedersachsen/Bremen (German regional film fund).

Sales Companies:

• The Match Factory: (Germany) - Handles international sales.

Why You Should Watch This Movie:

• For Bruce LaBruce's Signature Transgressive Vision: If you're familiar with or interested in boundary-pushing cinema that challenges norms of sexuality and identity, this film promises to be a quintessential LaBruce experience.

• A Unique Take on the Horror/Thriller Genre: "The Visitor" subverts traditional horror tropes by injecting them with queer themes, psychological depth, and an unsettling ambiguity, offering something truly distinctive.

• Exploration of Provocative Themes: The film delves into complex topics like sexual desire, the uncanny, and power dynamics in a way that is designed to make audiences think and feel uncomfortable.

• Festival Circuit Recognition: Its selection for prestigious genre festivals like Fantasia and Sitges indicates its artistic merit and its appeal to an audience seeking bold and unconventional cinema.

• A Visceral and Atmospheric Experience: LaBruce is known for creating powerful atmospheres. This film promises to be a slow-burn, psychologically unsettling journey that gets under your skin.

Why to Watch Movie:

• If you enjoy experimental and art-house cinema: It's not a mainstream film and dares to be different.

• To explore queer cinema: LaBruce is a prominent voice in queer filmmaking, and this film reflects his unique perspective.

• For a psychological horror that lingers: It's likely to focus on unsettling atmosphere and unsettling ideas.

• If you appreciate films that challenge societal norms: It pushes boundaries in its themes and portrayals.

• To see the work of a cult director: Bruce LaBruce has a dedicated following for his unique and provocative style.

What Movie Trend Film Is Following: Queer Horror & Transgressive Cinema: The film aligns with a growing trend of horror and thriller films that explicitly incorporate queer themes, subvert traditional genre conventions, and explore identity and desire in provocative ways. It also continues the tradition of arthouse horror that prioritizes atmosphere, psychological depth, and social commentary over jump scares.

What Big Social Trend Is Following: The film taps into contemporary discussions around gender fluidity, sexual liberation, and the deconstruction of traditional societal norms. By presenting an ambiguous and unsettling "other," it forces viewers to confront their own assumptions and anxieties about identity and difference. It also reflects a broader cultural interest in exploring the uncanny and the darker aspects of human psychology.

Final Verdict: "The Visitor (2024)" is a compelling and unsettling addition to Bruce LaBruce's filmography. It's a psychological thriller-horror that uses its enigmatic premise to delve into complex themes of sexual identity, power, and the uncanny. While certainly not for all audiences, those familiar with LaBruce's work or seeking challenging, thought-provoking queer cinema will find it to be a powerful and memorable experience. Its selection at major genre festivals solidifies its status as a significant independent film of 2024, promising a unique and potentially disturbing exploration of human desires and fears.

Recommendations for Film Makers:

• Embrace Your Unique Voice: Don't shy away from challenging conventional narratives or exploring controversial themes if they are integral to your artistic vision.

• Utilize Atmosphere and Subtlety: For psychological horror, focus on building dread through atmosphere, sound design, and character interaction, rather than relying solely on jump scares.

• Explore Identity and Sexuality: Consider how your stories can contribute to a broader understanding of diverse identities and sexualities, pushing cinematic boundaries in meaningful ways.

Recommendations for Movie Industry:

• Support Transgressive and Arthouse Cinema: Continue to fund and distribute films that challenge norms and offer unique artistic perspectives, even if they appeal to niche audiences.

• Recognize the Importance of Film Festivals: Utilize festivals as vital platforms for discovering and promoting independent, international, and challenging works that might not fit mainstream distribution models.

• Champion Diverse Voices: Actively seek out and empower filmmakers who bring underrepresented perspectives and narratives to the screen, particularly in genres where they are less common.