by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
Why do religious themes in films make for great horror? There are deep-seated beliefs and superstitions in all religions, and when pushed, viewers will lean on those elements. Many people hold their religious beliefs so close to home, and when something that is feared so deeply is drawn upon for a film, the tension is limitless. We have seen so many exorcism films, and only the power of Christ can save us (the real originator, The Exorcist, is still the best). But it is not just Christianity that can bring the horror. Judaism has its fair share of horrific superstitions that make for great horror creations. The Vigil dug deep and delivered plenty of terror. But I think we may have another… Attachment.
What does this new Shudder film deliver in terms of depth of ideas? The film draws on plenty of Jewish superstitions and practices of keeping evil away. The realization of what is really going on in the film reinforces that deeply. We have a Danish woman who falls for an English Jewish girl. When they go back to England, things get SO interesting from there. Our English girl’s mother is a traditional and attached mother who all but suffocates her daughter with paranoia and superstition. But the most important element of the film is the feeling and wearing thin of a relationship overwhelmed with attachment. Codependence becomes a major arc in this film for both familial and romantic ways. The metaphors are rich, and the emotions will penetrate you deeply as you fall for these characters.
Does writer-director Gabriel Bier Gislason bring the goods with Attachment‘s horror elements? The film never delves into cheap jump scares or anything of the sort. One of its eeriest elements just might be the sound; with every croak, creek, or disturbing voice, we get chills all over the place. This film takes an approach of methodical build and impactful payoff. Few openings deliver such a deep and meaningful central element. There are plenty of bumps in the night, and there’s an eeriness to the whole story. What is going on with one of our central lovers and what motivations does her mother have? There are some surprisingly effective comedic elements thanks to one character, and there is plenty of genuine romance and love (both romantic and maternal) at the core of the film. You will be afraid, and you are going to really care about it.
Does the cast help drive home these themes and ideas? Josephine Park is fantastic as our central character, Maja. She is strong and passionate. We can feel her struggle to be accepted by her new lover’s mother. She must also process her strong feelings for Leah and the unknown forces around her. Ellie Kendrick (of Game of Thrones fame) is also great as Leah. She is charming, and we can tell why Maja falls for her. But it is the slow descent and third act performance that Kendrick gives that makes her stand out so well. Sofie Gråbøl gives a mysterious and tense performance that will consistently keep the audience on edge. Throw in a surprisingly funny turn from David Dencik, and you have quite the quartet.
Does Attachment deliver an unexpected experience? This film is packed with an eerie atmosphere, scares, surprises, and most importantly, soul. There is plenty of heart at its center, which captures the struggles and rewards of love. The themes centered around codependent relationships are clear and poignant in all its forms. This is the kind of religious horror that feels genuine and lived in, making for an impactful cinematic experience.
Score: 8/10
Attachment will be available on Shudder on February 9
You can read more from Shane Conto, and follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Letterboxd