The Perfection (2019)

Movie Name/Year: The Perfection (2019)

Genre: Thriller, Horror, Drama

Length: 90 Minutes

Rating: TV-MA

Production/Distribution: Netflix, Capstone Film Group

Director: Richard Shepard

Writers: Eric C. Charmelo, Richard Shepard, Nicole Snyder

Actors: Allison Williams, Logan Browning, Steven Weber, Alaina Huffman, Graeme Duffy, Mark Kandborg

Blurb from IMDb: When troubled musical prodigy Charlotte (Allison Williams) seeks out Elizabeth (Logan Browning), the new star pupil of her former school, the encounter sends both musicians down a sinister path with shocking consequences.

Cat’s Point of View:

I’ve been waffling a bit regarding how I feel about this movie. I should, however, clarify that I generally enjoyed it. The degree of such is really where my doubt lies.

Looking back at my Top 20 list for May 2019, I had this film listed as my #19. I suspected that the movie would be ‘bonkers and entertaining’ as it explored the dark side of cellists or chamber music. I wasn’t too far off-base there. It certainly was bonkers, and I was entertained. The plot takes some twists and turns along the way towards the ending I didn’t see coming. For a little while, I thought I’d even gotten the wrong initial impression from the trailer.

The mixed reviews by critics and audience alike are understandable. There are plenty of tidbits through the movie that could trigger quite a few people. I think this is one of those films that you either like, or you don’t. Even the middle of the road is going to likely be heavily slanted either one way or another.

I’m not sure I’m a huge fan of the rewind and replay storytelling method here, but I did appreciate seeing events unfold from a different perspective. There were some flashes that I wasn’t entirely fond of, but I understand their relevance to the movie.

Logan Browning (Breaking at the Edge, Hit the Floor, Powers) and Allison Williams (Peter Pan Live!, Get Out, Girls) are stellar in their respective roles here. Steven Weber (Son of Morning, Helix, 13 Reasons Why) is also notable for his performance here. The rest of the cast, with the exception of a literal busload of people, faded un-remarkably into the background. I know that sounds like a harsh negative, but I think it just served to highlight the stand-out performances of Browning and Williams.

 

The Perfection isn’t a movie for the squeamish – but then, what horror movie really is? While this movie might not be everyone’s cup of tea, I definitely wouldn’t steer anyone away from it. 

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score – 75%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score – None
Metascore – 60/100
Metacritic User Score – 5.1/10
IMDB Score – 6.2/10
CinemaScore – None

Trust the Dice: Cat’s Rating – 3.5/5

Trust-the-Dice’s Parental Advisory Rating: R

Movie Trailer: