Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned

gradyharp

To get the name of the film out of the way the following is offered, though it doesn't seem to relate to the film: 'Moebius syndrome is a rare birth defect caused by the absence or underdevelopment of the 6th and 7th cranial nerves, which control eye movements and facial expression. Many of the other cranial nerves may also be affected, including the 3rd, 5th, 8th, 9th, 11th and 12th. The first symptom, present at birth, is an inability to suck. Other symptoms can include: feeding, swallowing, and choking problems; excessive drooling; crossed eyes; lack of facial expression; inability to smile; eye sensitivity; motor delays; high or cleft palate; hearing problems and speech difficulties. Children with Moebius syndrome are unable to move their eyes back and forth. Decreased numbers of muscle fibers have been reported. Deformities of the tongue, jaw, and limbs, such as clubfoot and missing or webbed fingers, may also occur. As children get older, lack of facial expression and inability to smile become the dominant visible symptoms. Approximately 30 to 40 percent of children with Moebius syndrome have some degree of autism.' Alternatively, Moebius refers to a continuous one-sided surface that can be formed from a rectangular strip by rotating one end 180° and attaching it to the other end. Take your pick.

But on to the film. This is a film that will find its audience - there is so much of this sort of morbid, weird derring-do on routine movies and television that it should not really shock anyone. But the film is different. It is without spoken word and therefore relies solely on the body language and wordless reaction from the cast. Yes the story is bizarre - a married man with a son man has an affair with a young woman, the wife flips over the top and decides to destroy the husband's offending organ - an act that is aborted and the mother instead transfers her uncontrollable madness on her son, castrating him. The family naturally disintegrates, the father commiserates with the injured and disturbed son and the mother re- enters the family picture with an even more sick behavior.

The three cast members are convincing - a factor that somehow makes the film work. Yes, it is a disturbing repugnant movie but some people with a thirst for the dark in life will likely purchase the film to see repeatedly. For the faint of heart, avoid.

score 5/10

gradyharp 9 February 2015

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw3180458/