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Strong storytelling and a solid, if not tired, premise make this feature-length film interesting, but it would play better as a short.

Four inmates find the journal of a serial killer in the wall of their cell, and it has real, evil power. Let’s dig into 2002’s MALEFIQUE, directed by Eric Valette!

As I See It

I’ve become accustomed to watching films with subtitles. It’s an effective tactic when you have to watch a movie but don’t want to wake the baby from a nap. I’ve been doing it for almost a decade now, and it hardly alters how I ingest media now. That said, there is a real disconnect between the words I was reading here and the performances. The emotion didn’t sell me on the text. Carrere never seems needy enough to be reunited with his son.

Four prisoners find a cursed journal from a serial killer locked in the same cell in the nineteen twenties and discover it has real power.

The characters, in general, besides Marcus, aren’t very strong. Marcus, of course, sticks out as a trans woman locked in a man’s prison. Large breasts, lipstick, and a wig are presented first before you get to really know Marcus. The depth of that character was misappropriated.

A trans woman in prison, let alone a man’s prison, must have so many overlooked issues to deal with, minute to minute, day to day.

Clovis Cornillac (Marcus) plays the role well and is believable as a tough-as-nails inmate.

The dichotomy of Marcus mothering Pâquette and protecting him like a Bear would its cub and her desire to fully transition to a more feminine creature are dense, rich, and intriguing. Ultimately it is wasted commentary by making Marcus a poser who doesn’t really desire to be a woman as much as they think.

The evil genie gives everyone what they want. That’s the root of the story. The evil book they find inside the wall of their shared cell is ostensibly a genie who grants them their heart’s desire but never warns them to be careful what they wish for.

Famous Faces

My last name means smooth in French, but I’m not French. I know fries, toast, and cuffs but not many indie horror actors from France.

Of Gratuitous Nature

There were many elements that seemed designed to upset or disorient the senses, but none as much as Pâquette breastfeeding from Marcus’ teat.

Heartthrob

A scene that preceded the brilliance of Stranger Things by a couple of decades expertly brought back the dread felt when Vecna twists Max’s limbs in season four.

Ripe for a Remake

It would be better suited as a short, part of an anthology, or an episode of a serial TV series such as Creepshow or Tales from the Crypt. It’s got a bit of that Twilight Zone twist to the ending, which is perfect for a twenty-four-minute romp.

Spawns

No progeny to report.

Where to Watch

There is no physical high-definition film release, but you can stream it on Shudder and AMC+.

Overall Rating (Out of 5 Butterflies): 3.5

 


THE DAILY DIG
The Daily Dig brings you hidden genre gems from the 1960s-90s you may have not yet discovered. You’ll get a brief rundown of everything you need to know, including where to watch each title for yourself. Come back each day, Mon-Fri, for new featured titles. CLICK HERE FOR A TIMELINE OF DAILY DIG COVERAGE.

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