“Pearl” (2022)
Horror
Running Time: 103 minutes
Written by: Ti West and Mia Goth
Featuring: Mia Goth, David Corenswet, Tandi Wright, Matthew Sunderland, Emma Jenkins-Purro and Alistair Sewell
Pearl: [yelling in distress after being rejected] “No, I’m a star! Please, I’m a star! Please, somebody help me! Please help me! Help me!”
Critical Commentary
“Pearl” is a 2022 horror film directed by Ti West and starring Mia Goth. The film tells the story of Pearl, a young woman who lives on an isolated farm with her parents. Pearl dreams of becoming a movie star, but her mother, Ruth, wants her to stay on the farm and help take care of her father. When a young man comes to town, Pearl sees her chance to escape her rural life. However, her dreams soon turn to nightmares as she realizes that she may not be ready for the outside world.
“Pearl” is a beautifully shot film with a haunting atmosphere. The performances are all top-notch, with Mia Goth giving a particularly memorable turn as Pearl. The film is well-paced and suspenseful, with plenty of twists and turns to keep viewers guessing. However, the film’s greatest strength is its exploration of the themes of isolation, repression, and the dark side of ambition.
“Pearl” is a powerful and disturbing film that will stay with you long after you’ve seen it. It is a must-see for fans of horror films, as well as anyone who is interested in exploring the darker side of the human psyche.
The film is beautifully shot. The cinematography is lush and atmospheric, and the film captures the beauty of the rural landscape while also creating a sense of isolation and unease.
The performances are all top-notch. Mia Goth gives a particularly memorable turn as Pearl. She is both sympathetic and terrifying, and she brings a depth and complexity to the character that makes her believable and relatable.
The film is well-paced and suspenseful. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep viewers guessing, and the film builds to a satisfying climax.
The film explores some interesting themes, such as isolation, repression, and the dark side of ambition. These themes are explored in a thoughtful and nuanced way, and they add depth and complexity to the film.
Weaknesses:
The film can be slow at times. The first half of the film is particularly slow-paced, and it can be difficult to get invested in the characters and the story.
The film is violent and disturbing. There are some graphic scenes of violence, and the film may be too much for some viewers.
The film’s ending is somewhat ambiguous. This may be frustrating for some viewers who are looking for a clear-cut ending.
Overall, Pearl is a well-made and thought-provoking horror film. It is a must-see for fans of the genre, as well as anyone who is interested in exploring the darker side of the human psyche.
The film’s setting is an important part of the story. The isolated farm creates a sense of claustrophobia and unease, and it also reflects Pearl’s own isolation and loneliness.
The film’s use of colour is also significant. The film is mostly shot in muted tones, which reflects the film’s dark and disturbing tone. However, there are occasional flashes of color, which represent Pearl’s dreams and aspirations.
The film’s soundtrack is also noteworthy. The music is atmospheric and suspenseful, and it helps to create the film’s eerie and unsettling atmosphere.
Pearl is a complex and challenging film, but it is also a rewarding one. It is a film that will stay with you long after you’ve seen it.
Technical Review
Video
“Pearl” is presented on Blu-ray courtesy of Lionsgate Films and A24 with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 2.39:1. The cinematographer and director attempted to recreate a modern digital version of Technicolor, and one of the outstanding merits of this transfer is the incredibly vivid palette. Fine detail in the more brightly lit moments is typically excellent, and can even be very good in a number of rather dimly lit sequences, as in some of the interior work inside the farmhouse.
Audio
“Pearl” features a well-designed DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track which delivers consistent surround activity, even if some can be relatively subtle. Optional English and Spanish subtitles are available. Pearl’s mother is supposedly German, and some German dialogue in the film features forced English subtitles.
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