Venus TIFF Review 2022 Film

Venus: A Messy Yet Entertaining Blend of Genres

A Found-Footage Legacy

Venus may not be a flawless film, but director Jaume Balagueró manages to deliver an exhilarating and gore-soaked experience with a standout performance by Ester Expósito. When examining the found-footage subgenre, Cannibal Holocaust may have initially shaken and horrified the horror world, but it was The Blair Witch Project and REC that propelled it into a larger landscape. While not the first films of their kind, these two movies revolutionized the horror genre with their documentary-style approach, featuring tales of witches, hauntings, viruses, and potential zombies. REC, in particular, directed by Jaume Balagueró and Paco Plaza, made significant waves in the international horror markets, inspiring countless filmmakers to create their own versions of the film. Even today, many directors draw inspiration from this groundbreaking work. It’s no surprise, considering REC’s compelling found-footage format, expertly timed scares, and dynamic camera movements. Although the subsequent sequels did not match the quality of the first two, this is a common occurrence in horror franchises. The initial installments capture the essence, while later entries can feel repetitive and lack the same effectiveness and scares. Following the franchise’s success, Jaume Balagueró and Paco Plaza ventured into different projects, exploring various styles and genres. Then, the pandemic struck, leaving people confined to their homes as the outside world grew increasingly ominous. It was during this period that Balagueró began plotting his next move. The isolation he experienced served as a reminder of the film that kick-started his career, fueling his desire to create a movie that paid homage to REC while infusing elements of Lovecraftian cosmic horror. Collaborating with producer Álex de la Iglesia, Balagueró took the helm of Venus, the latest addition to “The Fear Collection” film series, offering a modern adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft’s short story “The Dreams in the Witch House.” This action-horror film incorporates crime narratives and aims to captivate audiences with its terrifying and cinematic experience. On paper, the concept may appear convoluted and messy, and in many ways, it is—but Balagueró finds a way to both frighten and entertain, delivering a blood-soaked and violent ride that perfectly fits the Midnight Madness slot at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Exploring Venus: A Tale of Survival

Venus revolves around the life of Lucía (Ester Expósito), a go-go dancer trapped in a job she yearns to leave behind. The nightclub she works for is run by dubious individuals involved in organized crime. Seeking a way out, Lucía devises a plan to steal a duffel bag filled with designer drugs from her corrupt bosses. However, her heist doesn’t go as smoothly as expected, leading to a life-threatening situation. Fearing for her life and aware of the danger awaiting her if she returns home, Lucía seeks refuge with her estranged older sister, Rocío (Ángela Cremonte), and her niece, Alba (Inés Fernández), in the Edificio Venus located in the suburbs of Madrid. As Lucía settles into her new surroundings, she senses something amiss within the apartment building. Both her sister and the building itself harbor secrets, and strange occurrences begin to unfold with the arrival of an unexpected solar eclipse. Lucía soon realizes that she must step up to protect her niece from the horrifying cosmic forces that have taken hold, as well as the menacing mobsters who are relentless in their pursuit.

An Unconventional Blend of Genres

At its core, Venus is a story about loss, alienation, and the search for a better life. Unfortunately, this underlying narrative sometimes gets lost amidst the crimson red splattered throughout the apartment, the Lovecraftian horrors, and the mythology of the Queen of Sorrows. While elements of this story do shine through in intimate moments, the film’s overall structure can feel messy as it attempts to combine numerous subgenres, including crime, dark comedy, and cosmic horror. Despite these challenges, Venus manages to entertain viewers, offering moments of gore and bloodshed, both through CGI and practical effects, as well as high-intensity sequences. Balagueró primarily focuses on Lucía’s immediate predicament, as she faces off against the crime bosses and finds herself in a siege-like scenario, continuously hunted and on the run. As a result, the cosmic horror elements gradually build in the background, with the film’s thrilling final act delivering the anticipated climax. However, this narrative dynamic leaves little room for backstory or character development, particularly in the exploration of Lucía and Rocío’s sisterly relationship. Consequently, emotional moments between them lack impact. Fortunately, the bond between Lucía and her niece compensates for this, with Ester Expósito and Inés Fernández delivering solid performances and showcasing great chemistry, especially in the film’s weaker scenes. Expósito, in particular, stands out as a badass lead, demonstrating her talent as both a captivating horror screen presence and a heroic figure, culminating in an anxiety-inducing grand finale. Additionally, Venus captivates audiences with its high-octane sequences, thanks to Balagueró’s masterful direction and the cinematography by Pablo Rosso, creating a claustrophobic and ferocious filmmaking style. While Venus may not reach the same heights as REC, it is a highly enjoyable watch, particularly for those seeking splatter-filled, adrenaline-fueled fun.

Conclusion

Venus, directed by Jaume Balagueró, is an ambitious blend of genres that deliver a messy, yet entertaining experience. Building upon the legacy of the found-footage subgenre, Balagueró infuses elements of crime narratives and Lovecraftian cosmic horror into the story. Despite the narrative challenges that arise from this ambitious combination, Venus manages to captivate and thrill audiences through its high-octane sequences, gore-soaked moments, and powerful performances by the cast, particularly Ester Expósito. While the emotional depth of the film may be somewhat overshadowed, Venus succeeds in offering a gripping and blood-drenched ride that caters to fans of midnight movie screenings.

FAQs

1. Is Venus a standalone film or part of a series?

Venus is part of “The Fear Collection” film series, helmed by director Jaume Balagueró. However, each film within the series can be enjoyed as a standalone entry.

2. Does Venus pay homage to Lovecraft’s work?

Yes, Venus draws inspiration from H.P. Lovecraft’s short story “The Dreams in the Witch House.” Balagueró incorporates elements of Lovecraftian cosmic horror into the film’s narrative, adding a unique twist to the story.

3. How does Venus compare to REC?

While Venus may not reach the same level of intensity and innovation as REC, it offers an enjoyable and entertaining experience in its own right. Fans of Jaume Balagueró’s previous work may appreciate the nods to REC’s found-footage style and the director’s ability to create suspenseful moments.

4. Is Venus suitable for viewers who enjoy high-octane action and gore?

Absolutely. Venus delivers in terms of high-octane action and gore, with both CGI and practical effects contributing to the blood-soaked visuals. It is a thrilling and intense watch for fans of splatter-filled entertainment.

5. Does Venus rely heavily on jump scares?

While Venus does incorporate jump scares to an extent, much of the film’s horror stems from the suspenseful atmosphere and the sense of constant danger faced by the characters. Balagueró employs tension-building techniques and well-timed scares to keep audiences on the edge of their seats throughout the film.