Luz

Luz is a feature-length psychological horror film from 2018, directed by Tilman Singer and starring Luana Velis, Johannes Benecke, and Jan Bluthardt. The movie, which is Singer's graduation project for his studies at the Academy of Media Arts Cologne, is a thrilling delve into the occult and drags viewers into a gripping, eerie story. Making use of a unique lo-fi aesthetic and a minimalistic approach to storytelling, Luz manages to generate significant dread and unease.

In the lead role, Luana Velis is Luz, a cab driver from Chile who is living and working in Germany. From the moment the movie opens, with Luz stumbling into a police precinct after experiencing a traumatic incident, it is evident that she carries a significant amount of emotional turmoil. Velis delivers a standout performance, embodying her character's desperation and confusion with captivating intensity.

Dr. Rossini, played by Jan Bluthardt, is a psychiatrist brought in by the police to hypnotize Luz and get to the bottom of the disturbing incident. The hypnotism scenes are particularly effective, with the film delving into surreal territory as Luz's subconscious is explored. Bluthardt's performance is appropriately hypnotic, adding layers to the movie's psychological terror. Johannes Benecke plays the eerily calm police officer Bertillon and serves as a grounding presence within the film.

Luz's narrative is told through a series of disjointed flashbacks and hallucinations, with a jarring and disorientating narrative structure that reflects the distress of the protagonist. Various characters seem to drift in and out of reality, with the line between the real world and the supernatural becoming increasingly blurred. The story nods towards the possession sub-genre of horror but stands apart thanks to its distinct style and psychological depth.

Notably, despite its small budget and DIY approach, Luz manages to make quite an impact visually. The film's cinematography, which was done by Paul Faltz, is truly stellar, with its grainy 16mm film adding to its timeless, frantic, dream-like feeling. The pared-down sets and locations only heighten the feelings of unease and claustrophobia, whilst the crackling, atmospheric sound design further ratchets up the tension.

The film's haunting and enigmatic plot is further heightened by the minimal use of special effects, which work to amplify the film's psychological horrors rather than overshadow them. Simultaneously, its nuanced sound design and eerie score create an atmosphere that is creepy and unsettling.

Despite its low budget, Luz is rich in thoughtful and layered performances, sophisticated horror vibes, and a haunting ambience. The film excels in establishing an unsettling atmosphere, with the absence of a traditional narrative structure or clear explanations serving to disorientate and unnerve its audience. This is 70 minutes of distilled unease, with Singer displaying a firm grasp of psychological horror's most profound aspects.

Luz is a cryptic film, making for an appropriately puzzling and disorienting viewing experience that may not sit well with all viewers. It demands attention and rewards viewers who enjoy puzzling out an enigmatic plot. But for those that embrace its surreal aesthetic and lean into its mystery, it offers an intense, atmospheric horror experience that lingers long after viewing.

In a nutshell, Luz is an atmospheric and eerie piece of work that confidently forges its approach to the genre. The film is an exemplary lesson in how an original vision, when combined with a genuine passion for the tools and techniques of old-school, suspense-oriented filmmaking, can deliver something unique and gripping. It is truly a testament to the fact that creativity and intelligent storytelling can stand out in a genre too often dominated by predictability and clichés. This film will surely be appreciated by those who love slow-burning, psychological horror films. It is bound to serve as a memorable addition to the genre and a promising start to Singer's directorial career.