FANATICO (SHORT FILM)
Directed by Hannah May Cumming
Starring: Morgan Demetre, Alina Stircu, Ariana Thomas, Veronica Bowen, Judith Conly
When Sofia arrives at Santa Maria Catholic Boarding School for Girls, she finds herself having vivid nightmares in which some of her classmates are being murdered. When it transpires that these girls have really disappeared, Sofia tries to warn her roommate Daria before its too late…
Fanatico is a really good homage to the classic giallo movies which showcases some great talent both in front of and behind the camera.
Riffing off of classic Dario Argento movies in particular (as well as films such as Rings of Fear), Fanatico kicks off by showcasing the skills of cinematographer Joanna Pozarycki. The opening sequence of the two girls standing under the neon sign is luridly shot but followed by exemplary work when Ellis and her customer are stood on the steps of the chapel, with just their outlines illuminated. This level of work is carried throughout the film, with a night-time sequence shot like it was a photographer’s darkroom being particularly inspired.
We have the classic giallo killer set-up: the POV shots from their distorted perspective, the black leather gloves, use of a straight razor as one of the weapons and a final reveal of their identity and twisted motivation. The first murder - Ellis strangled with her customer's belt - is really well done and disturbing, while her customer is bludgeoned to death with a heavy based candlestick - each percussive blow perfectly edited to cut to the title credits.
The audience is ahead of the game where Sofia is concerned because we know from the first scene that Ellis, Ana and Daria are living double lives - catholic schoolgirls by day, streetwalkers by night. Daria in particular has no qualms about what she is doing as she is enjoying the lifestyle it affords her. But for any religious naysayers she has a quote from St Augustine: “Suppress prostitution, and capricious lusts will overthrow society.” In being a prostitute, Daria isn't perceived as being a victim - she's not a drug addict, she's not desperate or under the control of a pimp/madam - she is in complete control of her working life.
Where Fanatico differs from the template set by the films it's a homage to, is that the film is too logical. It's missing the absurdist leap that most giallo take in their final act with the reveal and motivation of the killer. Fanatico's killer is a little obvious and the motive belies a psychotic break, a sudden shock and an affront to all their ideals drives the killer to start their killing spree.
THE VERDICT
While the film as a whole is very entertaining it's standout features are its cinematography and score (I don't want to call it "Goblin-esque", but…). Fanatico does a great job of homaging the tropes and cliches of the giallo genre.
8 out of 10 (MikeOutWest)