Purgatorium relies on atmosphere to build suspense and create creepiness, with a grieving mother and malevolent son providing the thread connecting its disparate narrative threads together.
Hitler, Stalin, Mussolini and Churchill show up at Heaven’s gates in this disorienting experimental film from Russian art cinema auteur Alexander Sokurov.
The Story
Daphne believes she was responsible for her sister’s death and seeks help at what she thinks will be a vacation resort. Only to discover it is actually The Purgatorium – where she endures treatments including hypnotherapy, drugs and psychological manipulation performed by Dr. Gray who has his own twisted definitions of what constitutes treatment.
It was an extremely well-written book and kept readers at the edge of their seats throughout. With plenty of mystery, fast paced action, and teenage angst. Additionally, its strong cast of characters was something I didn’t expect; unlike many books where certain characters may simply appear to serve no real purpose, each character in The Purgatorium played an integral part of its plot and history.
I would recommend this book to any reader who enjoys thrillers. While it shares many elements with other thrillers, its spiritual undercurrent makes this novel unique – forcing the reader to question whether their perception is real or hallucination-induced. Overall I was thoroughly entertain by it and plan on reading it again soon.
Setting of this book was very captivating; the house in which Miss Havisham lived is very reminiscent of Miss Havisham’s crumbling estate, with plenty of hallucinations and flashbacks which help build up her story. Overall, I felt that the story was well written; its conclusion felt slightly overdone but still satisfying.
The story is fascinating and will keep you on your toes from start to finish. Captivating readers of all kinds with its unusual twists. I give this book an 8/10 score because of some slow parts in the middle. Yet it remains worth reading; my only concern with giving this story full marks would be because it scapegoats mental illness (specifically schizophrenia) by portraying them as violent murderous individuals.
The Cast
This thriller begins when five strangers awake in an abandoned two-story house with many unanswered questions: who are they, where do they come from and how will they escape this desolate environment. Soon enough though, answers to these queries will reveal an unspeakable darkness which threatens their very lives and those left behind.
Daphne Janus is sent to Purgatorium by her parents and best friend with the idea. That it will serve as an island retreat to help her cope with her sister’s death. Soon enough she discovers this is not an island escape – rather, this facility run by Dr. Hortense Grey is actually a suicide prevention program with dangerous games which may or may not be therapeutic. Eventually her faith begins to waver as more dangerous games may or may not be therapeutic for her. And the program as a whole begins unravelling before her eyes.
Cast of characters includes Saint Jim Hanks (played by Goran D. Kleut), an eclectic band of young souls condemned to Purgatory House and an evil demon (Goran D. Kleut). Additionally, Matt Hylton Todd plays Ithuriel – an angel who runs a soup kitchen to serve souls in Purgatory; Kevin Copeland as Ahriman is another notable performer; on Sammael’s orders Ahriman attacks Gabriel who serves Gabriel on orders from Sammael.
Though this movie follows all of the conventions associated with a Western. It also provides some fascinating and subtle observations about good and evil. As well as an apparent correlation between inner decency and outer beauty.
Director Uli Edel takes a risk and creates a film with more than just a religious angle, and succeeds. This thriller will not disappoint fans of its genre and should definitely be check out by fans of all types of horror. The acting is excellent and plot well-developed; Icelandic composer Hildur Guonadottir’s beautiful score from Pirates of the Caribbean series as well as All the Money in the World is particularly memorable. Along with creepy nighttime scenes and terrifying desert landscapes all combine into a powerful. And memorable experience that you won’t forget easily!
The Director
Purgatorium is an immersive one-location thriller. Five individuals awake in an abandoned two story house. And quickly come to understand that in order to escape they must work together if they hope to survive. Their story takes them on an exhilarating ride of murder and mayhem that will leave audiences reeling with anticipation.
The director of this film does an exceptional job of keeping viewers engaged throughout its entirety. Flashbacks and hallucinations are use effectively without seeming forced or obvious; fast pacing does not compromise character development for action. All characters are well developed enough that viewers have an accurate impression of who’s playing them.
Although its plot may be predictable at times. I still found this film highly entertaining with plenty of action and suspense. I would definitely recommend it to anyone seeking mystery, action and thrills!
This movie does have some flaws, including its overuse of hot men surrounding its female lead. And its portrayal of mental illness (specifically schizophrenia) as the source of violence and murder. An inaccurate representation as most individuals with Schizophrenia don’t act violently towards others. This depiction can often be found in movies or on TV but should never be believe.
The End
After surviving a gunfight, outlaw Blackjack Britton flees his pursuers and rides into Refuge – actually known as Purgatorium between Heaven and Hell. Where its inhabitants include legendary outlaws like Wild Bill Hickcock. And Doc Holiday who must redeem themselves or else face eternal damnation in Hell. Meanwhile, this town is in disarray, people running amok while its sheriff refuses to fight crime back against criminals.
The film offers an intriguing premise and delivers on that promise with plenty of fast paced action, teenage drama and overly attractive men surrounding its female lead. Unfortunately, it also makes mental illness–specifically Schizophrenia–out to be the cause of violence and murder. Which is an unfair representation as most people with Schizophrenia tend to be nonviolent individuals.
Reliving traumas and having hallucinations are disturbing aspects of mental illness often neglected by media. One character was even execute for guilt over her daughter’s murder at the hands of their brother. Such actions do not represent schizophrenia as understood by medical communities.
At the conclusion, the group realizes that their only means of escape lies in working together and solving the puzzle. As they progress through it, clues appear which help them figure out answers. While traversing an abandoned house full of rooms containing psychological mazes of murder. And mayhem in order to locate an exit point.
Purgatorium is an action-packed novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Featuring cinematic scenes and mind-boggling plot twists that keep readers guessing until the very last page. Packed with spiritual overtones and profound intellectualism. Purgatorium poses profound questions about reality and sin while keeping readers turning pages until their final chapter. Perfect for fans of mystery thrillers with religious overtones as well as anyone who enjoyed Shutter Island!
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