First of all, bravo to Jodelle Ferland; she really did an amazing job playing Jeliza-Rose. I think I based my rating mostly on her acting, as it's been a day since I saw the film but I have no idea what to make of it.
I didn't dislike the movie, per se -- it had plenty of distinct positives, like the great storytelling, cinematography, and acting, as well as the dark humor, which was one of the things that held the movie together for me. The plot was interesting, though it would not nearly be that fascinating if it wasn't told through a child's perspective. That was also why the movie did not depress me much, despite the fact that the protagonist is in such a (for an adult) horrible situation throughout pretty much the entire 122 minutes. I did feel for Jeliza-Rose at times, though, when occasionally a hint of loneliness was felt through the sheer absurdity of what was happening on screen. Another thing I was amazed at by the end of the film was that it didn't really have a bad aftertaste, even if it was one of the most disturbing movies I have watched. I was quite thankful of that.
Initially, after I left the theaters I was pretty sure I hated the movie because it confused and disturbed me so much. Now that I've thought about it for a while, I'm not really sure whether I love it or hate it. As it was, probably, with the majority of the night's audience, I think it's a little bit of both.
I didn't dislike the movie, per se -- it had plenty of distinct positives, like the great storytelling, cinematography, and acting, as well as the dark humor, which was one of the things that held the movie together for me. The plot was interesting, though it would not nearly be that fascinating if it wasn't told through a child's perspective. That was also why the movie did not depress me much, despite the fact that the protagonist is in such a (for an adult) horrible situation throughout pretty much the entire 122 minutes. I did feel for Jeliza-Rose at times, though, when occasionally a hint of loneliness was felt through the sheer absurdity of what was happening on screen. Another thing I was amazed at by the end of the film was that it didn't really have a bad aftertaste, even if it was one of the most disturbing movies I have watched. I was quite thankful of that.
Initially, after I left the theaters I was pretty sure I hated the movie because it confused and disturbed me so much. Now that I've thought about it for a while, I'm not really sure whether I love it or hate it. As it was, probably, with the majority of the night's audience, I think it's a little bit of both.