Coherence (2014)

Coherence is an edge of the seat mystery sci-fi thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat. It is a micro budget movie about a group of friends that have dinner together on the a comet passes near the Earth. That's when a series of strange events take place and reality may not be what it seems. Besides the original plot that must be experienced and never spoiled, Coherence was filmed during 5 nights, and everyday the cast received a paper depicting their characters intentions on the plot. Therefore, all the dialogue and acting is pure improvisation. Yes, Coherence is indeed a special movie. Unfortunately without its consequential flaws. There is no storyboard, or acting timing, so the only way to film a movie like this is through an handheld camera that is, of course, shaky. Sometimes, mainly on the first half of the movie, the dialogue and camera might be confusing and honestly unnerving, but soon enough the mystery feel will take over you and will never let you go till the end. Like was said before, Coherence is a special movie with great ideas, sometimes not perfectly inserted, but it is indeed an unique minimalistic and mind bending experience that should be seen by everyone.

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The Guest (2014)

You're Next was an instant horror classic that spread throughout the world from 2011 to 2013. An homage to horror B movies with a very personal touch. The Guest is the latest work from You're Next director and writer. And it is a top-notch job. Unlike the predecessor, The Guest isn't exactly a horror film. It is more a mystery thriller about a guy that comes to a family home claiming to be the best friend of the family's deceased son from the army. Similarly to what happened in You're Next, The Guest kicks off as a serious toned film, but soon the B-movie homage starts making its way, turning the film into an energetic, thrilling and absolutely fun, entertaining and original experience. The unknown actor Dan Stevens does an incredibly charismatic job as the fun/evil mysterious guest, and is well supported by the young Maika Monroe, a promising young actress that already did a great job this year with It Follows. Some claim that the last act of the movie ruins it (lots of clichés, gunfights and stuff), but that is what makes The Guest different. It never wants to be a serious movie. Why would it? It will grab you tight, feed you with quality entertainment and blow everything up with a big laugh. This is modern cinema done well and a step up from You're Next. One of 2014's best.

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The Babadook (2014)

The Babadook is the directorial debut of Jennifer Kent, who formerly worked with Lars Von Trier. She starts very well with this horror movie about a classic bogeyman who haunts a widowed mother and her 6 year old. The horror genre is stuck to its own rules, but that doesn't mean a movie can't play with them. Babadook focuses more on character development with a brilliant, really brilliant, performance from Essie Davis, the mom, and Daniel Henshall, the boy, instead of focusing on the bogeyman, which is great. The "monster" has a sinister presence that haunts the movie as time goes by, but that isn't The Babadook's main focus. Jennifer Kent has full respect for the genre, with several references throughout (Poltergeist is clear), and a very personal directing style. It is not easy to make a good horror movie, but here it is: solid, haunting and one of the best australian movies in years. It is not the masterpiece some claim it to be tough, there are some flaws, but with the right mind you just won't care.

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