Abrakadabra (2018)

In my opinion, a major upgrade compared to their debut film (haven't seen Francesca yet). I think the style would have been a little better within a more abstract plot, but on the other hand you already have Cattet & Forzani to fill that niche. The Onetti's are also a lot more faithful to the basic material; This really could have been a movie from the 70s, if it weren't for the better image quality. Whatever you think of it, it is certainly great work.

Furthermore, audiovisual true finger licking material, culminating in the scene with the water pipe and the subsequent sex scene. The whole magicians/theatre setting is also nice, just a bit different from what you usually see in these types of films.

Wonderful stylistic exercise in which you should only view the plot as a framework. Although some affinity with the giallo style is really a requirement, for an evening of horror entertainment it is better to go elsewhere. Small 4*.

Translated from Dutch · View original

Luciano & Nicolas Onetti is an interesting duo. Die-hard fans of genre films, you can tell by everything. Their 'What the Waters Left Behind' was a great Texas Chainsaw / House of 1000 Corpses-esque cannibal flick. That's why I was so looking forward to this Giallo ode 'Abakadabra'. Unfortunately, I was able to do a lot less with this film than with What the Waters Left Behind.

Visually it is stunning. The film seems straight out of the 70's (that's a compliment). Set dressing, camera work, use of color it really is extraordinarily excellent. But unfortunately I need a bit more than that, even with a film of less than 70 minutes.

Visually it is very good, but everything around it did little or nothing for me. It really is just extremely boring and uninteresting. Few kills and gore too, and the kills that are there could have been a bit more stylistic in my opinion.

No, I continue to find the Onetti duo interesting, but unfortunately I couldn't do anything with this at all. For enthusiasts, the Bluray of Cauldron films comes with the soundtrack disc.

Translated from Dutch · View original

It's a hype to make modern films look like they're from the '60s and '70s. That also applies to this short slasher. The film contains chaotic color patterns, clumsy sound effects and otherwise didn't really entertain me.

2.0 *

Translated from Dutch · View original