by Martin Unsworth
A hipster couple, Cass (Emily Sweet) and Gav (Bradford Thomas), are travelling around Belgrade and, at Cass’ suggestion, gate-crash a wedding party. Gav is filming things on his Super 8 camera (from which we see occasional footage), and although it’s awkward, they get through it. The next day, a creepy, one-eyed guy, Ivan (Bruno Veljanovski) strikes up a conversation with Cass. He’s imposing but seems friendly enough, and the pair will find him turn up in several places where they are, even on the train on which they’re travelling. He convinces them to come with him to an abandoned munition factory where his father worked. As Gav is put under Ivan’s spell, Cass becomes more suspicious. This is valid, as they find out when they meet the family…
Veljanovski’s character (who introduces himself as Saint Peter) is so sketchy no sane person would interact with him except to remove themselves from his presence politely, but we’ve all met that one person who won’t take no for an answer, and he’s completely believable as that guy.
Looking at Austin Jennings’ feature debut, you’d think it could be set, even made, in the ‘70s. From the fonts of the titles, the use of the Super 8 camera and other old formats onscreen or from being shot on 16mm, the retro look is there. It’s only the modern tech that’s there that snaps us back to the modern day. This is a vision of Serbia that travel guides won’t show you, and like any societal underbelly, it’s not a pretty sight. It’s unfair to comment on where the story goes so as not to spoil things, but rest assured; it’s nasty and unexpected.
Eight Eyes is a nightmarish psychodrama that’ll make you think twice about booking that holiday.
Eight Eyes had its international premiere at Pigeon Shrine FrightFest on August 25th.
