‘Dead Lover’ Review: Macabre Attempt to Keep a Lost Romance Alive Is Both Entertaining and Inventive

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As a captivated viewer, I must confess that when a movie opens with a quote from Mary Shelley, it’s hard not to anticipate its plot direction. However, “Dead Lover” masterfully defies expectations by having writer-director Grace Glowicki weave a tale filled with surprises. Her characters and the unusual predicaments they find themselves in are strangely comedic. The visual creativity showcased through costumes, art direction, and makeup transforms “Dead Lover” into a singular, peculiar spectacle. This offbeat film premiered in Sundance’s Midnight section and has since graced Rotterdam and other festivals. I believe its unique charm will undoubtedly attract a devoted, albeit small, following.

Glowicki’s unique narrative unfolds around its central figure, portrayed by the filmmaker herself: a grave-digger with a peculiar odor due to her long exposure to deceased bodies. This odor has made it difficult for her to find a partner. At a graveside funeral, she encounters her perfect match (Ben Petrie), an aristocratic man mourning the loss of his sister (Leah Doz). Despite her smell, he finds it appealing. They soon become lovers and vow eternal devotion, but then he gets shipwrecked, leaving only his severed finger behind as a token. Using a centuries-old potion recipe, she sets out to revive him using the last remaining relic.

Here’s a new take on that passage:

The story takes an unexpected turn as the finger proves insufficient, leaving the gravedigger feeling isolated and unfulfilled. Desperate for a replacement, she chooses to employ her lover’s sister’s body instead. This decision creates a powerful enemy in the form of the widower mourning his late wife (Lowen Morrow).

On the outskirts of the tale, a cluster of chatty women, who also serve as a humorous Greek chorus, often congregate while knitting. As the gravedigger and the widower engage in a chase, they encounter various quirky characters: two affectionate nuns who happen to be lesbians, frolicking in the woods; a heartbroken sailor and an entire town filled with peculiar individuals, all determined to punish the gravedigger for her numerous impious acts. The creator has put a lot of thought into crafting these minor characters, making them seem vividly alive, even when their screentime is brief.

The intriguing ‘Dead Lover’ showcases its dark creativity. Filmed entirely within a studio, it employs real-life effects and optical illusions to bring forth its haunting atmosphere. The inventiveness is apparent in every creative aspect, ranging from makeup and set design to sound and lighting. Despite the obvious artificiality of everything, it seamlessly complements the world that Glowicki envisioned. This, coupled with a witty script, makes ‘Dead Lover’ stand out.”

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“The creative ‘Dead Lover’ thrives on its grim innovations. The entire production was carried out within a studio, utilizing practical effects and optical illusions to build its spectral environment. There’s ingenuity in every aspect, from makeup to set design to sound and lighting. Everything appears artificial, but it harmoniously fits the world that Glowicki designed. This, along with a clever script, sets ‘Dead Lover’ apart.

In this movie, just four performers make up the cast, each taking on numerous roles. To add a playful twist, these actors portray both male and female characters, subtly challenging societal norms around gender and sexuality. The theme of desire permeates throughout, as every character seems preoccupied with the idea of seduction. It doesn’t matter if they need to fashion their partners from a single finger – they’re determined. The film includes elements of sex, violence, and murder, but it’s the peculiar humor that sets this world apart, making laughter an unexpected yet dominant emotion.

Glowicki stands out with her towering stature and ethereal visage, employing her sharp wit and flexible facial expressions to fashion a captivating persona. In harmony with this is Peterie, who leans towards whimsy rather than intricate character development in some of his humorous acts, which aligns with the tone required for “Dead Lover”. On the other hand, Morrow expertly satirizes the classic Shelley romantic lead with his brooding sensuality.

Towards the end, the movie “Dead Lover” starts to feel a bit repetitive, losing some of its initial momentum. However, up until that point, it is both amusing and entertaining, showcasing Glowicki’s unique talent. This film has potential to attract fans of horror comedy, who could help ensure its longevity with their persistent recommendations.

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2025-02-03 04:16