These days it's real hard to truly surprise the viewer with twists and turns they don't see coming. Especially if you are a big fan of the genre like me. Then again smart film makers don't even try to come up with new and clever plots. Instead they opt to play around with old conventions in a way that the overall result does become fresh and creative. Both Raat Akeli Hai and Game Over do this and will give you the thrills and chills you seek!
Review Raat Akeli Hai (2020)
Raat Akeli Hai is Bollywood's first attempts to do a locker room mystery. At least according to wikipedia. It definitely is something that has been rarely done in India and the attempt itself should be seen as a giant step forward in Indian Cinema.
Although this would imply that the film itself has very little to offer. Nothing could be further from the truth. Quite a lot is going on which is something I personally would like to seem more of in future. Raat Akeli Hai does a real good job of drawing you in the mystery and keeping you invested until it's conclusion. Now it's far from perfect. It does run into moments where events slow down considerably without actually giving you something substantial. Although these moments usually are part of red herrings and distractions and are deliberately put in place to misdirect you. That is why I was very willing to overlook the slow pace here and there. Make no mistake, the film throws a lot of information at you but not all. You are supposed to fill in some gaps yourself. Or at least try to. In that regard Raat Akeli Hai is a good example of what a locker room mystery should entail.
All of this would and could not have worked without good actors. The entire cast sell you the mystery as if they are real people in the middle of a real life mystery drama where a lot is at stake. There is more to the characters than it appears at first glance. It's one of the major elements that provide the fun. Especially Radhika Apte is impressive as the femme fatale.
Very much worth your time!
Review Game Over (2019)
Right away you can tell that Game Over is intended for a newer and younger (woke) audience. But don't worry it won't be in the way of your enjoyment if you are older. Especially if you are a fan of the genre. Since Game Over is quite relentless and unforgiving when it comes to the terror and the drama.
Our main character Swapna, a game developer, is well off and at first glance seems quite spoiled and immature. Gradually you find out why she acts like she does. The film does a real good job of exploring how certain events and topics are viewed in real life. It's pretty horrifying in itself and will make you think twice of judging people who are suffering from post-traumatic stress. But there is so much more to her and the events in her life. They seem to be connected. Worse they have put her on the path of this ruthless serial killer who won't give up until she is dead. Now this killer does seem to be a little of the invincible type although they will give you an explanation of why that is. It's one the examples how one can effectively play around with old horror conventions and yet make it seem fresh.
I liked it how seemingly impossible events are made plausible and how the film isn't afraid to blend psychological elements with supernatural ones. Besides it's very commendable that this film manages to add social criticism without being too pushy and political. Also this film is blessed with some real good actors. They are very flawed but seem real enough and you don't want anything bad happening to them.
Overall this is definitely one I can recommend!
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