Movie spotlight
Venus Drowning
After a failed suicide attempt, Dawn (Jodie Jameson) is sent by her psychiatrist on a trip to recuperate. She visits an old family flat in a remote apartment by the sea. Heavily sedated with medication and alcohol, she tries to decode her life through the pages of a journal. Walking on a deserted Norfolk beach she finds a dying mutant mermaid foetus. Initially repulsed, she becomes obsessed with it, takes it home and tries to resuscitate it. Dawn’s Swedish friend Milla visits at the weekend. While out drinking with Dawn, she catches a man at an unguarded moment and they end up in bed. In the cellar, the creature can sense the vibrations from the bedroom. Feeding off the sexual energy coursing through the flat, the creature strengthens and grows. After Milla leaves, Dawn checks on the creature in the cellar; it’s covered in a thin slime. Drawn to the smell, she tastes it and finds that it has hallucinogenic effects. Dawn’s life is about to get even stranger.
Insights
Plot Summary
In a gritty urban landscape, a young woman named Maya is struggling to survive and escape her past. When a mysterious woman enters her life, Maya finds herself drawn into a dangerous game of manipulation and deceit. As secrets unravel, she must confront her own demons and fight for her future.
Critical Reception
Venus Drowning received a mixed to positive reception from critics, who praised its atmospheric tension and strong performances, particularly from its lead actress. However, some found the plot convoluted and the ending unsatisfying.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its dark and brooding atmosphere.
Lauded for the compelling performance of its lead.
Criticized for a narrative that can be difficult to follow.
Google audience: Audience reviews for Venus Drowning are scarce, but those available suggest a polarizing film. Viewers often noted the intense and unsettling nature of the story, with some appreciating its unique style while others found it too bleak or confusing.
Fun Fact
Philip Ridley is known for his distinctive and often provocative directorial style, frequently exploring dark themes and complex characters.
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