Big Bad Wolves (2014) Review

Big Bad Wolves (2014)

Directors – Aharon Keshales and Navot Papushado

Stars – Lior Ashenazi, Rotem Keinan, Tzahi Grad

Israeli cinema isn’t commonly seen in mainstream western cinema; however this deeply black comedy horror surpasses pretty much everything in its genre in recent years. After appearing over the course of a year at various indie festivals it managed to transfer to screens across the U.S in large part to Quentin Tarantino stating it is ‘The best film of the year’. This set the goal post fairly high considering Mr Tarantino knows a thing or two about cinema. It also indicts the films themes; violence and gore, seeing as we’re pretty sure he doesn’t watch anything without these two elements. The film centres around three characters: a corrupt policeman who is investigating a string of grizzly child murders, the father of the latest victim and the main suspect.

From the opening shot of children playing in a derelict house we can sense a solemn tone that carries throughout the film, it’s an eerie atmosphere that makes the steady pace even more captivating. As we begin to see each character’s story we get a sense of the strong complexity of their roles within the film. Micki (Ashkenazi) the Policeman is a man who has strong family values yet will torment and stalk Dror (Keinan) the main suspect who is also a school teacher, and after being shunned from his job because of these accusations he also has to take abuse and beatings from others. It isn’t until we are introduced to Gidi (Grad) the father of the latest victim when things start to ramp up. The film's real trick is determining Dror’s innocence or guilt and whether the lengths we see Gidi and Micki go to are morally right.

The film makes clever use of the script providing moments of light comic relief especially between Gidi and his elderly father as they discuss torturing Dror. This in turn makes these following scenes much darker as the men begin to inflict hammer blows and blowtorch burns upon the suspect. As an audience we’re not sheltered from the breaking of fingers or indeed any bloodshed. It uses elements of ‘Hostel’ (2005) without going overboard, as the build up to the first painful attack is thoughtfully prolonged.  As the second half of the film continues, the suspense mounts as the story twists and turns until eventually we arrive at a shattering finish. In the final shot you almost shout out with shock with the conclusion you are faced with. What really makes this film great is the well rounded characters, played by an amazing cast. Quentin wasn’t wrong.

RATING – 3/5

By Joshua Tanner