Overhyped, like everything these days but definitely worth a look-see...

Rating: 6/10 (26 September 2019)

Much like Ari Aster's first film, this is a well constructed drama that insidiously morphs into horror, leaving one to reflect on the many signposts that lead to its inevitable climax.
Not so good: The American characters are largely uninteresting and unsympathetic, whether that was the intention, I don't really care. There are also problems with the running time and like nearly every film that comes out now, it needs a damn good trimming. Ironically I hear that the director is prepping a longer director's cut - lordy give me strength!!
Good: this is a very handsome film, the lighting is some of the best I have ever seen and complements the excellent framing and production design, which has clearly been produced with serious TLC. The plot unfolds with a tantalising amount of unease and there are some very effective, well-controlled moments. Its best feature though, is that there is a lot here to unpick and a second viewing will surely unearth some hidden diddlers that were missed first time around.
It has obvious genetic links with The Wicker Man and it's fair to make comparisons but to say it is simply a rip off is a very blunt observation indeed... those reviewers need to learn some nuance. 6.5-7/10