Horror Movie Review: The Perfection

I’ve been running out of horror movies to watch on quarantine, so I’ve been finally giving-in to movies I keep hearing things about but avoid (due to popularity, because I’m just that contrary). The Perfection is one of those movies, mostly because I hated Girls. Still, I loved Jordan Peele’s Get Out (Allison Williams plays a convincing villain), so I gave in.

Also, I’m consciously trying to watch (horror) movies that don’t just have white people in them. Here we have the amazing Logan Browning – she’s frickin’ fantastic.

KIND OF SPOILERS: Watch before you read this. I don’t spell it out, but I don’t want my clues to give away what’s a great ending.

*TW – the movie does talk about and visually allude to rape.*

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What I love most about this movie is the tiny details. Ordinarily horror films include some missing puzzle that’s never solved, the makeup isn’t so great…not that the movie isn’t a quality horror flick. You just kinda get used to horror movies – and really, movies in general – having holes somewhere. Things you think mean something but they don’t.

While watching The Perfection, I found myself noticing details that I dismissed as a mistake turned out to be integral to the plot. They’re not details a la M. Night Shyamalan – they’re so minor you’re sure it’s an error or your own inherent dislike of something (I’m talking about Allison William’s wig – I noticed how fake it looked at the beginning and just dismissed it).

Coming into the first rewind, I was able to figure out what Williams’ character was up to (not why she was doing it). I was completely unprepared for the second and was about to turn off the movie right before the assault was going to happen and BOOM. This psychological thriller just turned into a revenge movie! YES! I am here for this.

About the TW

Generally, I don’t like the rape story-line in horror movies, especially if it’s gratuitous. The storyline gives justification for what Browning’s and Williams’ characters do at the end of the movie (and really, all throughout).

I did think I was going to be sick when Browning’s character was going to rape Williams’ with what was left of her arm…but that’s where the tide turns. You think it’s going that direction but OH NO it’s not.

The Gore

It’s pretty tame until you get to the end (besides that part in the middle where she cuts her…well, you know). That part where Stephen Weber’s character takes the knife to Williams’ arm. UGH. I had my hand over my mouth, and I believe I uttered out loud (to my dog), “HOLY SHIT.”

I also cheered at the end when the camera pans to the audience…(it’s pretty graphic and crazy but honestly, at that point, I was with the ladies).