We follow several somewhat repellent people working in and around the Art world as they discover the art of a disturbed and isolated man named Dease who recently died in his apartment. Despite strict wishes of the deceased to have his art destroyed, art agent Josephina (Zawe Ashton), gallery owner Rhodora Haze (Rene Russo) and art critic Morf Vadewalt (Jake Gyllenhaal) become determined to make their fortunes and names selling the pieces. As Dease's work becomes a success and begins to garner attention, however, the people involved in the deal begin to mysteriously disappear or turn up dead...
A fun supernatural horror which satirises the Art world and delivers some humour along with some cheesy gore. The film takes its time to set up the scene and introduce us to its cast of colourful characters played by a collection of well respected names. In addition to those mentioned above we also have Toni Collette, Tom Sturridge, John Malkovich, Daveed Diggs, Billy Magnussen and Natalia Dyer all playing parts of artists, curators and others involved in the world of Art all keen to be the one to discover the "next big thing".
Once the set up is complete we are treated to some amusing deaths and some effective imagery delivered in a offbeat style while poking fun at its subject matter. The film has a slick art house feel while also mocking that exact thing but doesn't go out of its way to be anything beyond entertaining. And that is the point! The kill scenes are amusing and creative, if a little silly, and all in all I found it to be a pleasing 109 minute ride.
If you're looking for hidden layers, there aren't really any there. The film has the feel of a Goosebumps book plot turned into a film for a more adult audience. And that, in my book, is no bad thing.
[Image: Netflix et al]
Hani
