Rent Requiem (2006)

Horrific on many levels ... (spoilers) - Requiem review by NP

An initially quiet and extraordinary film, which relies very much on its central performance. A true horror on all kinds of levels, bereft of special effects and spectacle. Made in 2006, but set 40 years earlier; Hans-Christian Schmid directs in a way that lets the actors do their thing, which allows us to soak up the chilly atmosphere both outside, and in the titular Michaela’s bleak family environment. You could spread the bleakness like butter. Michaela played by Sandra Hüller is an astonishing central performance.

Based on a true story, the names have been changed – and also the ending. [Spoiler]: whilst ‘Requiem’ ends in the middle of a scene, offering, until the end credits summarize her fate, an uncertain future for our heroine (in keeping with the non-judgemental style of the film throughout), in reality, the young student died of exhaustion and malnutrition as the result of – get ready for this – twice-daily exorcisms for a year: a more horrifying notion than anything presented even here. The resulting trial of her parents and priests formed, very loosely, the basis for ‘The Exorcism of Emily Rose’, a far more visceral and sensationalist recreation of events than here.

‘Requiem’ remains a tragic, heartbreaking, devastating story. We’re never entirely sure as to the nature of Michaela’s malady, although it seems a combination of mental instability, epilepsy, peer pressure, a truly monstrous mother (who does repent later) and the dangerously misplaced kindness of her father.

The no-frills nature of the production gives it a raw, emotional charge. We’re as concerned for the nervous onlookers during the exorcism as we are the unfortunate central figure, and the results are compellingly sad. My score is 9 out of 10.

powerful - Requiem review by sb

Powerful film. The acting, especially the main character is superb. A sad and harrowing movie at times. Really worth a watch if you can cope with a dark side to your movies.