Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, are slowly but surely becoming icons of modern cinema. They are directors of well respected and received films like 2017 hit THE ENDLESS (a film I was less impressed with than others) made this first and it stands on its own. A blend of romance, blood shed, loss and legend. Set in the picture perfect Italian coast where they filmed THE TALENTED MR RIPLEY. Que story now.
Evan Russell (Lou Taylor Pucci), has lost his mother to cancer and in mourning, beats up a guy who frankly deserved it. His friend tell him to scoot. Evan travels to southern Italy. Once there he falls for Louise (Nadia Hilker), which leads him to a job and board on a farm. Things get complicated when Louise acts odd, strange cat deaths are reported and gossip rips across the small town. Then he finds a needle and questions must be asked. But answers could be dangerous.
This reinterpretation of a werewolf legend SPRING, has a lot going for it. Lycanthrope, werewolf, wolf instinct. All through the prism of a she beast. That is at the heart of SPRING. Love as an agent of animal lust. Well that and strong women asserting sexual desire. It shows the skill of Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead as genre film makers. It shows great lead chemistry in Lou Taylor Pucci (a great genre actor) and Nadia Hilker (who drips sex). The script is well balanced and weighted. Overall its on par with their later, more hailed work.
EXTRAS
The Director commentary (2020) and its (2014) counterpart are studies in professional and experience. Looking back reveals missed opportunities and idiosyncrasies. The Talented Mr Evan tells us about leads and working on hallowed ground (in a sense).
Special Features
- Reversible sleeve
- Director commentary (2020)
- Director commentary (2014)
- The Note
- The Talented Mr Evan
- VFX Case Study
- Proof of Concept
- Alternate Ending
- Angelo, the Worst Farmer in the World
- Wankster Girlfriend Monologue
- Evan Ti Odio
- Promo Videos
- Bloopers
- Deleted Scenes
