Sightseers’ writer and star Alice Lowe has made even more work for herself in her feature film directorial debut ‘Prevenge’, in which she plays widowed and heavily pregnant Ruth who is on a mission to murder everyone involved with her husband’s death before she gives birth. Much like ‘Sightseers’, it involves some dark comedy which contrasts well with the heaviness and tragedy of her character’s situation. Furthermore, it’s refreshing to see a character, especially a woman, who isn’t necessarily likeable or sympathetic all the time – as well as portraying the unpleasant realities of pregnancy that is often ignored or sugar-coated. It’s hard not to have respect for Lowe after she shot the film whilst in the late stages of pregnancy, and initially creating the project because she wasn’t being offered roles due to her condition. This is a subject she does deal with in one scene, but also portrays the various discriminatory treatment pregnant women may face throughout the film.
Ruth is an interesting, delusional character and it’s compelling to see the steps she takes. It’s easy as the viewer to see how the reasoning behind her actions is hypocritical – she labels her victims as selfish for what they did when she is displaying the exact same characteristics through her own decisions, which she convinces herself aren’t her own. She lacks self-awareness until the end, which is ultimately overridden by her instability and adds to the tragedy of Ruth’s character. She also does a good job making you feel uneasy, and the lead-ups to the murders are creative and are where most of the humour comes from.
Overall, this is a fairly simple plot but its original twist on the revenge genre keeps it fresh and interesting despite being slow-paced at times. The slow pace works in the film’s favour as it reveals Ruth’s husband’s death piece by piece. Most importantly, Lowe’s unique and dark sense of humour shines through and is enough reason to watch it beyond the novel premise. This is a well-made film that doesn’t let its low budget hold it back.
Ruth is an interesting, delusional character and it’s compelling to see the steps she takes. It’s easy as the viewer to see how the reasoning behind her actions is hypocritical – she labels her victims as selfish for what they did when she is displaying the exact same characteristics through her own decisions, which she convinces herself aren’t her own. She lacks self-awareness until the end, which is ultimately overridden by her instability and adds to the tragedy of Ruth’s character. She also does a good job making you feel uneasy, and the lead-ups to the murders are creative and are where most of the humour comes from.
Overall, this is a fairly simple plot but its original twist on the revenge genre keeps it fresh and interesting despite being slow-paced at times. The slow pace works in the film’s favour as it reveals Ruth’s husband’s death piece by piece. Most importantly, Lowe’s unique and dark sense of humour shines through and is enough reason to watch it beyond the novel premise. This is a well-made film that doesn’t let its low budget hold it back.
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