Prevenge

Prevenge is a darkly comic British horror film that explores the deepest insecurities and fears of motherhood in a unique and thrilling way. Released in 2016, it is written by, directed by, and stars Alice Lowe, featuring Dan Renton Skinner and Jo Hartley in crucial roles. Notably, Lowe was seven months pregnant during the production, allowing a more genuine and compelling exploration of the portrayal of a soon-to-be mother.

Prevenge tells the story of Ruth (Alice Lowe), a widow in the late stages of pregnancy. As she battles grief, loneliness, and the challenges of her impending motherhood, Ruth also grapples with the belief that her unborn child is communicating with her, directing her to embark on a bloody and vengeful rampage. The movie thus intelligently blurs the lines between psychological horror and black comedy, delving into a unique and unsettling exploration of the darker aspects of motherhood that are often unexplored in mainstream cinema.

Alice Lowe's performance stands out, seamlessly conveying the complex emotions tied to pregnancy — both the ordinary challenges and those unique to her unusual predicament. Ruth isn't an easy character to depict, yet Lowe manages to stir sympathy and horror in the viewer in equal measure. Dan Renton Skinner and Jo Hartley in supporting roles do a stellar job of providing the requisite eerie yet darkly humorous backdrop to the unfolding narrative.

Prevenge is a blend of horror, comedy, tragedy, and social commentary. It graphically portrays the narrative's horror elements, juxtaposed against the dry, sardonic wit of the protagonist's observations of the world around her. Furthermore, Lowe, as a director, impressively manages to weave in her critique of societal expectations and pressures on women, especially when they are about to become mothers. The fear, anxieties, isolation, and emotional turmoil are depicted with keen perception and sensitivity.

Despite its grotesque premise, the film is grounded in its depiction of the everyday life that Ruth leads. From the scenes in antenatal clinics to her interactions with various people, Lowe imbues the narrative with delightfully unexpected humour that stems from Ruth's sarcastic commentary on her circumstances and experiences. Yet, this humour does not overshadow the sense of melancholy and loneliness present throughout the film. The script's layered writing elevates the movie from being a simple slasher flick.

The film's aesthetic enhances its themes with visually stunning cinematography and evocative sound design. The choice of filming some scenes in the warm, almost dream-like light contrast with the truly monstrous events, further bolstering the sense of unsettling surrealism that permeates the movie. The chilling score and sound effects accentuate the chilling atmosphere, giving the audience a sense of Ruth's inner turmoil and further cementing Prevenge as a stand-out psychological horror.

Prevenge is an unapologetically original and macabre exploration of pregnancy and motherhood that uses its horror framework to delve deep into these themes. It doesn't shy away from the graphic violence, but instead, it uses it as a platform to enhance the dark comedy and social commentary woven throughout the plot. The brilliant performance of Alice Lowe elevates the narrative, making it a unique offering in the landscape of horror cinema. Its blend of genres — the gore of horror, the bittersweet qualities of a tragedy, and the wit of a comedy — makes it a genre-defying film that is not for the faint of heart.

Nevertheless, Prevenge is much more than just a slasher horror-comedy about a pregnant woman. It uses its seemingly absurd premise to explore complex emotions and realities of impending motherhood, as well as critiques of societal pressures women face in such circumstances. While its darkly comedic tone and depiction of violence might appear grotesque to some, for those who appreciate horror mixed with sharp-witted commentary, it is an intelligent and uniquely compelling film worth watching.