BOLD, BRAZEN AND BADASS
DVD, Blu-Ray & Streaming – “Big Bad Wolves”
Review by Ray Schillaci
What some have termed Israel’s entry into horror, “Big Bad Wolves” is actually the closest to the spirit of Hitchcock that anybody has ever come. “Big Bad Wolves” may also now be most famous for being dubbed “The Best Film of the Year” (2013) by none other than Quentin Tarantino. Some may debate that, due to the disturbing subject matter. But however one looks at it, this film kicks ass from the opening foreboding shot of children playing an innocent game of hide-and-seek in slow motion, to the gut-punch ending that has the audience chilled to the bone.
A religious studies teacher is accused of the kidnapping, rape and gruesome murder of two children. The police detective in charge of the case becomes overzealous and operates outside of the law and is determined to force the accused to admit to the crimes. Then there is the father of the latest victim (an ex-military officer) who plots to exact an insidious revenge. The big mcguffin being, is the accused innocent or guilty? There in lies the paradox that directors & writers Aharon Keshales and Navot Papushado have presented in a package that is as tight as a sealed drum.
The filmmakers have not opted for the straight forward horrific narrative, but tease us with twisted dark humor that makes us chuckle and gasp at the same time. The film is actually a wonderful amalgamation of old and new Hollywood filmmaking, Alfred Hitchcock meets Eli Roth. A combination that some may feel born in hell.
Everything about this production is first rate. From the haunting Bernard Herman-type (“Psycho”, “North By Northwest”) musical score to the top-notch ensemble acting. But what stands out the most is the cleverness of these writers. They know when to make you laugh, feel uncomfortable and practically turn away in horror. At times the dialogue is flippant and then the next moment it is unnerving.
Rotem Keinan as the teacher is both sympathetic and alarmingly creepy. One is never sure if he’s just a misunderstood nerd that had the misfortune of being tagged as a pedophile/murderer. His proclamation of his innocence makes a strong case and much more sense than what his accusers have planned. The accusers nearly come across just as insane as the acts of the accused with the introduction of each one being worse than the other.
Lior Ashkenazi as the police detective plays it cool and cruel. He’s mean-spirited and not opposed to hurting innocent animals in the process. His determination has become an unholy quest and Ashkenazi plays him with little remorse. But there is something very funny about his almost bumbling behavior and his incredible resemblance to a cross between American actor Steve Carell and British actor Clive Owen. Believe it or not, his is probably the lightest performance in the bunch.
Tzahi Grad as the vengeful father, Gidi, is grim and gruesome. His meticulous ways and elaborate plans almost have us wonder if he had something to do with the murders. But just when you thought that nothing could be worse than these two “wolves,” enter Gidi’s father played by Israeli comedian Dovale Glickman. Just when you don’t think the suspense can be amped up anymore, Glickman takes into hyperdrive. His timing is impeccable as a father in shock, a grandfather wronged and a sadist that has been in the closet for too long.
“Big Bad Wolves” was released in Israel and played several film festivals in Spain, Germany, Canada, UK and in the USA. It was an official selection for the Tribeca Film Festival and has garnered mostly good reviews. Unfortunately, it never had a release date in the states until its VOD and Blu-ray/DVD release April 22nd.
The best way to see “BBB” is with a group of people and get the full shock value that one usually receives in a theater. But viewer be warned; this is not for the faint hearted. This is a nasty little independent feature that will have you laughing uncomfortably one moment and the next having the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. After a viewing with three of my teenage nephews, my favorite quote that pretty much sums up the experience was, “Wow, I feel like a piece of me died.”
Directed by: Aharon Keshales & Navot Papushado
Release Date: January 27, 2014
Run Time: 110 Minutes
Country: Israel
Distributor: United Channel Movies
