Stream // By Michael Leavy. With Danielle Harris, Charles Edwin Powell and Dee Wallace.
Horror films have always captivated with their ability to shock and fascinate, and Streamwith its promise of intense gore, seemed well on its way to meeting those expectations. As a fan of horror films and productions with graphic violence, I expected a visceral spectacle that lived up to the standards of a genre that does not seek to please everyone. However, despite its notable gore scenes and some entertaining moments, Stream fails to meet expectations in terms of narrative and structure. This film, produced by the creators of Terrifiercertainly offers a strong homage to the gore of the 80s, but suffers from serious flaws which affect the overall experience. For those looking for scenes of graphic and creative violence, Stream does not disappoint. The gore is, without a doubt, the strong point of the film and the real protagonist.
A family is pursued in their hotel by murderers who compete in ingenuity.
Certain sequences have a lasting impact due to their originality in the staging of violence. For example, a scene where two of the assassins play a macabre game of Morpion on the body of one of their victims is a moment which, although shocking, demonstrates a desire to renew the genre. This scene, with its almost burlesque execution, remains one of the most memorable in the film. Another decapitation scene, where a character's head is torn off with disturbing realism, also deserves mention for the quality of its practical effects. The dummy head used is one of the most convincing I have seen, proving that the technical team perfectly masters the codes of visual gore and horrific makeup. This mastery is reminiscent of the horror productions of the 80s, a time when practical special effects were essential to make an impression.
It is clear that Stream is a work that will appeal to fans of this style of gore, more visual and less digital, but which may also put off those looking for a less visceral experience. If gore rises to star rank in Streamthe characters leave a bitter taste. The main actors are sorely lacking in depth, with characters that seem straight out of a caricature. The roles are poorly written, and the performances of the unknown actors fail to make their characters endearing or memorable. Their dialogue sometimes seems tasteless, and it's difficult to identify with them or feel empathy for their plight. However, the presence of some emblematic figures of horror cinema like Tony Todd, Jeffrey Combs, and Danielle Harris provides a certain added value.
These genre legends deliver cameos that will delight fans of classic horror films. Unfortunately, even these iconic participations struggle to fill the gaps of an overly simplistic scenario and a direction of actors lacking in nuance. One of the most problematic aspects of Stream lies in its duration. At two hours, the film stretches far beyond what it can offer in terms of plot and character development. Such a predictable and linear story would have greatly benefited from a reduced length. In a genre film where the main objective seems to be to shock visually, a duration of an hour and a half would have made it possible to maintain a more sustained pace without risking losing the viewer's interest. The lengths are particularly evident in transitional scenes, where action and suspense often lag.
These moments of relaxation make the overall experience monotonous and cause the viewer to tune out, a shame for a horror film supposed to keep its audience in suspense. This lack of rhythm becomes all the more frustrating when the few moments of tension are eclipsed by scenes that drag on without providing any real substance. Finally, the scenario of Stream is far from living up to its visual ambitions. The plot lacks coherence, accumulating genre clichés and plot holes that leave the viewer perplexed. Each twist seems predictable, and the motivations of the characters are barely touched upon. The murders continue, of course, but without a real narrative progression that would allow us to attach importance to the events. It's hard to ignore the superficiality of the story, and the direction fails to make up for this lack of depth.
Additionally, the film's digital grading is questionable: the colors often appear artificial, an aesthetic choice that contrasts with the “realistic” approach to gore. This gives the film an artificial atmosphere that, instead of heightening the horror, makes it seem almost cartoonish. This excess of digital reduces the impact of scenes which, although well produced, lose credibility. In short, Stream is a film which, despite inventive and shocking gore scenes, fails to fully captivate due to a weak storyline and uninteresting characters. The film's excessive length and lack of pacing make it a frustrating experience, especially for those expecting more than just a succession of violent scenes. Certainly, the special effects are impressive, but that is not enough to mask the story flaws and the lack of depth of the characters.
Stream may find its audience among die-hard gore fans who appreciate practical effects reminiscent of '80s horror films. However, for anyone looking for a gripping story or well-constructed characters, the film may disappoint. The gore, while impressive, cannot alone carry a film for two hours.
Note : 3/10. In short, good points for the gore in line with the franchise Terrifier and tributes through cameos. Beyond that, there is nothing to see.
Coming soon in France
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