The Snare (2017) Reviews

• Genuinely creepy

  cjs65472017-01-07

  As a horror movie that frankly spooked the socks off of me, I gotta say this movie deserves more love. It is not lame like some of the Ouija releases. It does not, in my opinion, try to be 'The Shining' or overreach its artistic capabilities. In fact, a close comparison would be 'The Hole' (2001), with more elements of the supernatural mixed in. The characters are obnoxious but believably real. The film uses several slow shots to build suspense and tension, and this only adds to the general sense of creepiness and unease. I jumped at least three times during this film. Not a fan of jumpscares? Don't worry, there are at least two more mediums of horror used in this film (survival horror and mental illness) so there's something for everybody! The story is not really original (like I said, The Hole did it before), but its not really predictable and its nice to see the writer make some bold choices. There are plenty of shocking scenes that already make this film stand out from contemporary 'safe' Hollywood horror. A must see for a horror lover like myself, this will fix you up for a while! 7/10.

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• Good movie. Weaker on narrative but that doesn't hurt it IMO

  bobbybakerking-562362017-01-09

  For starters, good movie, really enjoyed it. Strong on atmosphere, great performances, a real sense of mystery throughout and nail biting suspense. However, I would say that it is weaker overall in terms of story and character, although I don't feel this hurts it too much because of the type of film it is. This film is more about an experience....an emotion driven, mood driven and tension driven piece and that is where and why I feel it excels. It doesn't matter whether the characters are likable or not in this context. It's apparent from the get go that this film positions the audience as the cold spectator so that they can witness the horrific events that take place and then draw their own conclusions. It doesn't hold your hand, it's up to you which characters you like or not, feeling connected to them and empathizing with them is not important or essential when it comes to watching this. Likewise, similarly to The Shining, which was obviously an influence, I get the impression you're not supposed to get all the answers, its not supposed to make complete sense, that's the very nature of what makes the paranormal frightening if you believe in that sort of thing. It's what makes you think about it afterwards and keeps you talking about it. Would recommend a watch.

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• Bold, brave and different! Took balls to make this.

  jezdav2017-01-09

  Must say, am not a huge fan of this movie after watching, as I feel it did have some issues. Although this is to be expected of course given the natural limitations of a low budget horror. Despite it's flaws this movie does get a lot of things rights and is a very bold attempt to try and do something different and for that alone I highly commend it as this was so refreshing to see. Was relieved not to have sat through another empty rehash. It must've took real f****** balls to make something like this in a market that's over- stuffed and over-filled to the brim with generic middle of the road SAFE horror pics. Some genuine creepy moments in this too. Like on a whole another level of CREEPY!!!! As for it's flaws, it would have been great to have seen more of Alice's backstory so that we can understand more about her relationship with her father, although I understand why a lot of this was left ambitious and open to speculation. Also, some of the best bits of this movie are when the two girls are uncovering the fate of those who were trapped in the apartment before they were (won't spoil it here) but it would've been great to have explored this more and to have seen more evidence of 'those who came before' Certainly don't regret watching and would recommend.

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• WOW!! Truly horrific!!....A well put together tense, taut, thriller.

  teddyparkin-325642017-01-09

  So many layers, so much going on, difficult to take it all in on the first watch. Certainly requires a second viewing. If I had to be really critical I would say that I feel like maybe they should have tried harder to find a way out of the apartment and should have tried to find alternate exit routes. It felt as if they gave up a little too easily....but then again, this is no ordinary scenario, since there is this evil demonic force manipulating things from below the surface. My partner and I talked for ages afterwards trying to unravel what it is that actually dwells in the apartment and whether or not it was real or part of some strange fantasy concocted by the main character. Don't watch whilst eating.....felt so sick watching parts of it but totally worth it. Ain't gonna be able to put this one out my head or a while.

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• True Indie Masterpiece

  Commander_Keen782017-01-09

  Start with this, English in not my mother language. My apo's for spelling mistakes... How's your Dutch btw? :-) The general opinion doesn't seem to agree with me. 3.4 vs 9??? Well, I've read the user reviews already here. And Shining, well (only applies to movie not book) always has been a little overrated to me. But I can see the parallels that were drawn. Alice in Wonderland? The woman is slowly descending into madness. If that's a reference to Alice in Wonderland I can see one in every movie. Just take it for what it is pls. I just think it does not have the aspiration to be like that movie (Shining). At least not intentionally. I just watched it for what is was, and these are my personal conclusions: It's a slow burner. You have to like that kind of movie. I know that put's off a lot of people. It relies heavy on it's creepy atmosphere. You have to invest in the movie to get really into it. The acting of the lead actress is outstanding. Her mental descent and physical transformation are really impressive. For me seldom seen in low budget movies. (The original Martyrs comes to mind as another exception) It is very scary. Not only by atmosphere but also by jump scares. It is visually stunning in it's simplicity, because it does not have that "Hollywood film" over it and yet it's able to grab you by the neck. It looks "European real (for lack of better words) It's also somewhat gory. Depends on what you are used to I guess. But there are definitely some stomach-turning moments. It is also erotically charged in a sick kinda way. First seduction and innocent flirting, then animal instincts taking over. And damn it is so creepy!!! Watch this movie if you like slow burnin' horror movies. If you have a short attention span, go watch ghostbusters (n.o.) You have to like the genre, if not, that's the only condition I can think to let this one slip. And for the love of god. For once they showed a boob. Just because it happened to be there... on a chest... of most women...

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