By Keri O’Shea
The Czech Republic is famous for being the setting of The Golem, which became one of the first horror movies ever filmed – but, excepting the possibility that we’re just not getting to see them, we haven’t seen much horror coming out of that part of Europe. That is, until director Robin Kašpařík – just twenty-three years old at the time of shooting – brought out his superb short film ‘Seance’, which I am delighted to be able to share here at Brutal As Hell. If you’re a fan of supernatural horror, then turn down your lights, turn up your volume, and watch this gem of a short film.
Seance from Robin Kasparik on Vimeo.
It’s refreshing to me to see a movie which is so unashamedly macabre in its appearance and its themes. Realism in horror can be great, sure, but I do love these sorts of stories. Seance has a fairytale aspect, and with none of the darker elements excised. The castle, its inmates and the story of Marie, a young woman who is simultaneously empowered (by her abilities) and disempowered (by the way she is treated by all of the other characters in the story) is pure Gothic fairytale. Power and autonomy are key themes throughout; from the Lovecraft quote which opens the film, to the end scenes, there is a battle for personhood – which plays out in a ghastly, pleasing way.
One of the reasons that the story carries across so effectively because Kašpařík has a strong sense of aesthetics: everything is beautifully shot and lit here, and the opening scenes of the approach to the castle (a real 16th century palace) in particular look fantastic. The performances are very strong, and popular Czech actress Klára Jandová – in effect playing a dual role – does a superb job of communicating the vulnerability of Marie. This is an accomplished piece of work, which weaves a sense of foreboding from the beginning to the end. I’ll always welcome the fact that directors are continuing to make this type of supernatural horror, and this is an excellent example of the genre.
Kašpařík is now in the planning stages of his next short film ‘I Am The Doorway’, based on Stephen King’s ‘body horror’ short story of that name.
Thanks to Robin Kašpařík