Movie spotlight
Lionel
“Many years ago, men and lions used to live in peace together and were allies. They protected each other. But little by little men forgot about their deal and in the end the lions did the same.” These are the words that Lionel’s dying grand-father whispered to him in his village in Africa. Lionel is an 11-year-old boy who leaves happily in Switzerland with his mother and step-father. During a school trip to the zoo, Lionel is irresistibly attracted to an old lion lying in a cage. The lion starts to communicate with him and asks him to find a way to set him free in order to go back to Africa. With the help of his best friend Federico and of his classmates, Lionel is determined to keep his promise…
Insights
Plot Summary
A young Iranian woman, Lionel, finds herself trapped in a desolate, haunted house with her estranged mother and brother. As the spectral presence within the house grows stronger, it begins to prey on their deepest fears and regrets, forcing them to confront their fractured past. The supernatural entity seeks to isolate them and drive them to madness, blurring the lines between reality and nightmare.
Critical Reception
Lionel received mixed to negative reviews from critics. While some acknowledged its atmospheric horror elements and ambition, many found the plot confusing and the execution lacking. Audience reception was similarly divided, with some appreciating its psychological tension and others finding it slow-paced and underdeveloped.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its unsettling atmosphere and visual style.
Criticized for a convoluted plot and unclear narrative.
Some found the performances compelling, while others felt they were uneven.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce and varied. Some viewers appreciated the film's attempt at psychological horror and its thematic exploration of family trauma, while others found it difficult to follow and ultimately unsatisfying.
Fun Fact
Director Kourosh Ahari's debut feature film, 'Lionel' was an independent production that aimed to explore themes of immigration and psychological distress through a horror lens.
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