In his fifth feature film, Quebec filmmaker of Turkish origin Onur Karaman ventures into the realm of horror for the first time. The film, titled ‘Emptiness,’ centers around the void within its characters, unraveled through a suspenseful black and white narrative.
Set in a secluded country house, the film follows Suzanne (Stphanie Breton), a woman troubled by the disappearance of her husband. As two other women, Linda (Julie Trépanier) and Nicole (Anana Rydvald), attend to her, they counsel her to remain indoors and cease her worries about her missing spouse. Foremost among their warnings is a strict rule – Suzanne must never venture into the barn. As unsettling occurrences start to transpire and a sinister presence seems to lurk in their vicinity, the lines between reality and nightmare blur. Is the house truly haunted, or is Suzanne losing her grip on sanity?
Emptiness is a gradually escalating, minimalist suspense drama that unfolds at a measured pace. The black and white aesthetic underscores the isolation Suzanne grapples with, despite being surrounded by others. The cinematography is meticulously crafted, with the screen occasionally drenched in red hues during moments of heightened mystery. The acting is commendable, although the characterization remains somewhat surface-level, preventing the desired level of emotional investment in them. The slowly evolving suspense might leave some viewers indifferent, especially towards the climax, potentially disappointing those seeking more action. While the film’s execution is artistically accomplished, the storyline tends to be monotonous. The narrative leaves several questions unanswered, potentially leading to a sense of viewer confusion, with many aspects remaining unexplored.
3/5
