The Blackcoat's Daughter

February demands some patience. For about two thirds of the film, I was leaning towards an average rating, but then the pieces start falling into place, and in the last few minutes Perkins comes up with a very interesting but not entirely clear point that opens the door to post-viewing debates. I’m expecting a comment shitstorm, a substantial part of the public maybe won’t understand it even at a basic level, and those who understand it will have quibbles about some of the creative decisions that allow the film to work the way it wants. It is a bit of a stretch, but I don’t have a problem with it, because the result is an unconventional approach to the trite possession horror story. If only there were more like it. On top of that, the first-time director delivers an almost surprising performance, giving the film quite some nerve and a dark atmosphere. You can feel how unsettlingly soaked in evil it is, even when nothing is happening. I can’t wait to see what comes next. Yeah, and be careful with one previous piece of graphomaniac bollocks here, the author of which, I’m afraid, didn’t understand a thing. Reading said bollocks could make you figure out certain things earlier than would be good for a proper experience (and if I’m wrong, and he did understand, then he’s an idiot for writing something like that and potentially spoil the surprise for others… so whatever). (10/06/2016)

The finale may seem frantic and hurried; it's a significant change in pace, although even here there are slowdowns. But it is definitely possible to say that the denouement of February will surprise you. You'll get the sense that this is a film from a horror enthusiast, but you won't necessarily be satisfied with the overall feel of the film. Some viewers will leave cranky, and I can understand that. This isn't a great mindfuck in the vein of The Sixth Sense or The Others. (30/08/2017)