‘Spring’ is a Unique Mash-Up of Genres That Demands Attention
Beautiful secluded European city? Check. Twenty something male in search of discovering his true self? Check. Smart, independent young woman with a fear of long-term commitment? Check. What's left is a plot summary that begins with ‘a brief encounter’ and you’ve got yourself a nice summer romance film — perfect for a movie date night with your partner.
Except, Spring is far from a movie that provides a bonding experience. Half an hour into the film and doubts begins to creep into your head. All the while you're trying to figure out just what is this woman keeping from her man? What happened to the two people who easily fell in love at the beginning? And, why are there suddenly so many dead animals lying around?
From the beginning we see Evan, a young man whose life turns upside down after losing his mother to cancer. His typical American man bravado could put you off at first. But then he goes on a self-exploration trip to Italy and mets Louise, one of those women who are straight out of every man’s fantasy. Evan is falling hard and fast, just as fast as their relationship begins to crumble and Louise’s big secret is revealed. Suddenly, Evan is oozing sympathy and you wish you had a hand on how to help him keep the woman of his dreams. Better still, can he keep her alive?
Justin Benson’s script is not only smart but also well written and engaging. There’s a subtle approach within the narrative that leaves the audience truly swept away before the big plot twist is revealed. The suspense is built upon nicely, allowing the layers of the story and character to reveal themselves little by little. The result is a thrilling tale of an entwining budding romance with an edge-of-your-seat-horror.
The amazing chemistry between Lou Taylor Pucci and Nadia Hilker is the glue that keeps the movie together. Both of them perform with ease, balancing each other nicely. Louise’s fragility, added with Evan’s naivety, are the reasons why you can't keep your eyes off them whenever they’re interacting.
Benson co-directed Spring with Aaron Moorhead having work together in Resolution. The duo are playing with the cliche of both romance and horror. Granted, the transformation sequence could have been, better but the effect is still terrifying. Benson and Moorhead’s directorial effort and vision for a low-budget indie horror movie has proven to be a bold message to other directors in the genre. These two are here to stay and any future projects after Spring could potentially be their ground breaking one.
There are several unforgettable scenes that are quite breathtaking. Such as the long shot in a dark cave where nothing but the scary figure in the middle can be seen. That's the kick to get you ready for what's coming. Or, the image of spring flowers blossoming when Evan and Louise kiss for the first time — which is easily tricking the audience into a false hope of what this movie will become in the third act. All in all, the eerie images of monster elements blend nicely (though in contrast) with the picturesque Mediterranean town.
Spring is thoroughly enjoyable experience and the satisfying ending is the final cherry on top. Make sure you don't miss it!
