Réalisation:
Osgood PerkinsScénario:
Osgood PerkinsPhotographie:
Julie KirkwoodMusique:
Elvis PerkinsActeurs·trices:
Emma Roberts, Kiernan Shipka, Lucy Boynton, Lauren Holly, James Remar, Peter J. Gray, Matthew Stefiuk, Peter James Haworth, Elana Krausz (plus)Résumés(1)
Rose, 17, and Kat, 13, find themselves snowbound at the prestigious Bramford School for Girls when their parents fail to collect them for winter break. Dark, horrific visions begin plaguing Kat while Rose watches in horror as the young girl becomes enraptured by an unseen evil force. Meanwhile, beautiful but damaged Joan is on a mysterious mission towards the same school, seemingly compelled by the dark forces at work. (Highland Film Group (HFG))
(plus)Critiques (3)
February demands some patience. For about two thirds of the film, I was leaning towards an average rating, but then the pieces start falling into place, and in the last few minutes Perkins comes up with a very interesting but not entirely clear point that opens the door to post-viewing debates. I’m expecting a comment shitstorm, a substantial part of the public maybe won’t understand it even at a basic level, and those who understand it will have quibbles about some of the creative decisions that allow the film to work the way it wants. It is a bit of a stretch, but I don’t have a problem with it, because the result is an unconventional approach to the trite possession horror story. If only there were more like it. On top of that, the first-time director delivers an almost surprising performance, giving the film quite some nerve and a dark atmosphere. You can feel how unsettlingly soaked in evil it is, even when nothing is happening. I can’t wait to see what comes next. Yeah, and be careful with one previous piece of graphomaniac bollocks here, the author of which, I’m afraid, didn’t understand a thing. Reading said bollocks could make you figure out certain things earlier than would be good for a proper experience (and if I’m wrong, and he did understand, then he’s an idiot for writing something like that and potentially spoil the surprise for others… so whatever).
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I appreciate the mindfuck plot balancing between obsessive horror and slasher, yet the film feels more like a psychological drama. I was slightly bothered by the TV workmanship and the plodding pace that suits few people, only the last 30 minutes were downright interesting for me, but this is definitely not my cup of tea. It's worth a try for its unusual concept, but it will be of more interest to fans of weird, independent and non-commercial horror. 55%
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The finale may seem frantic and hurried; it's a significant change in pace, although even here there are slowdowns. But it is definitely possible to say that the denouement of February will surprise you. You'll get the sense that this is a film from a horror enthusiast, but you won't necessarily be satisfied with the overall feel of the film. Some viewers will leave cranky, and I can understand that. This isn't a great mindfuck in the vein of The Sixth Sense or The Others.
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