Eeling
Eeling

Eeling

2010Movie11 minEnglish

A discontented wife is seduced by eels - the keepers of the land. The mystic encounter draws her into the eels’ realm.

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IMDb6.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes48%
Metacritic55/100
Google Users68%
Director: Lars von TrierGenres: Drama, Horror, Mystery

Plot Summary

The film follows the life of Jack, a highly intelligent and meticulous serial killer, as he recounts his meticulously planned and executed murders over a period of 12 years. Through his chilling monologues, Jack reveals his philosophy on art, life, and his perceived superiority over others. The narrative explores his psychological descent and his attempts to avoid detection, leading to increasingly elaborate and disturbing acts.

Critical Reception

Eeling received a highly polarizing reception from critics and audiences alike. Praised by some for its artistic ambition, provocative themes, and strong performances, it was also heavily criticized for its graphic violence, bleak outlook, and perceived nihilism. The film sparked considerable debate about its artistic merit and its ethical implications.

What Reviewers Say

  • Visually striking and thematically ambitious, but often gratuitously violent.
  • A challenging and disturbing exploration of psychopathy, though its length and graphic nature can be overwhelming.
  • Von Trier's trademark provocation is on full display, leading to a film that is as repulsive as it is artistically compelling.

Google audience: Audiences found the film to be exceptionally disturbing and thought-provoking, with many appreciating the artistic direction and performances but struggling with the extreme violence and dark themes. Some viewers felt it was a masterpiece of psychological horror, while others found it excessively graphic and difficult to watch.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.

Fun Fact

Lars von Trier originally intended the film to be a television series, but it was later adapted into a feature film.

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