A lot of the so-called thrillers released these days simply lack a hard-edge to them; you can normally predict the ending well before the end because the script is so see-through. That certainly isn’t the case with new Australian thriller, Carmilla Hyde. This is a thriller that packs a punch and a great script keeps the audience guessing all the way through.
Millie (Anni Lindner – ‘Look Both Ways’) is a shy virgin who disapproves of her housemate, Sara’s (Nina Pearce – ‘Rock Lobster’, ‘Mr. Morag’s Helical Dreams’) lifestyle. Sara teams up with her friends Britt (Georgii Speakman – ‘Cross Life’, TV’S ‘The Informant’) and Nathan (newcomer Cameron Hall) to drug and seduce Millie… to make it worse they put the night on the Internet. Convinced she was raped (but unable to remember) Millie turns to hypnotist, Dr. Charles Webster (Sam Tripodi – TV’S ‘Crooked’) to help her find the answers. But these sessions only result in her alter ego, Carmilla Hyde coming to the surface and Carmilla wants revenge.
As far as this genre goes ‘Carmilla Hyde’ shames a lot of the Hollywood thrillers that are floating around. Director David De Vries lets the film go down an erotic path without losing control and allowing the storyline to become forgotten about. De Vries’ career as a comic book creator shows through in the film, with comic book art and a killer soundtrack only adding to the films almost gothic ambience. His script has a serious presence and actually allows you to identify with the character of Millie… this turns out to be a huge positive as you end up feeling so sorry for her that you can turn a blind-eye to some of the things she does as Carmilla.
‘Carmilla Hyde’ has also been brilliantly cast. Anni Lindner shines in the lead role. Her very different portrayals of Millie and Carmilla shows that she is a gifted actress who really does her craft. She is also well supported by Georgii Speakman who pulls off the role of the femme fatale very well. Their performances added to a terrific script makes the characters believable; despite the unusual story at hand.
All up ‘Carmilla Hyde’ is a sensational thriller that totally draws its audience in. Great characterization and brilliant performances by its leads makes for a film that allows the audience to feel for its characters… and when I say feel I mean there are some you will feel sorry for and some that you will hate with a passion. Brilliantly written the film is enhanced by one of the best soundtracks to grace an Australian film in a long time. If you love a good thriller than ‘Carmilla Hyde’ is a film that shouldn’t be missed. It’s not often a thriller breaks the mould like this film does and gets away with it, but it is the risks here that makes this film so special.
Year: 2010
Director: David De Vries
Stars: Nina Pierce, Georgii Speakman, Cameron Hall, Sam Tripodi
Classification: CTC
Runtime: 105 mins
Rating: 