Sick? Twisted? Brilliant? Who's Watching Oliver (2018) Full review

Click the pic to view the trailer

To answer the questions posed before the title of this blog, yes, yes and YES! Gravitas Ventures not normally known for hitting it out of the park scores a winner with this tale of momma's boy Oliver and his vile murderous exploits. If one viewed the trailer one might think they have the whole thing figured out and may jump on the "torture porn" labeling bandwagon. They would be quite mistaken.

Incidentally let me clear that up first. I hate the term "torture porn" and the fact that it has vilified films like Saw and Hostel. Those are great movies and much more complex than torture for shock's sake. I will not lie to you though, Oliver is sick, perverse and twisted to the point that less adventurous viewers need not apply. Oliver is a killer and a rapist, and this film will dare you to care about him. Absorb that! Of course the crux here and the real villain of the film is Oliver's dotting mother. Yes friends mama has not only created this monster but manipulates him into killing again and again for the sick pleasure viewing it gives her.

I found the performances in the film above par especially Russell Geoffrey Banks (who also co-wrote the film) as Oliver and he is a revelation. He truly embodies not only the murderer but the shy nerd, withdrawn child, and soul fighting for release. Banks performance literally transcends the genre and paints Oliver as very human. I was not overly impressed with Margaret Roche as mama. She just overdid it for me and I think it was because the things she was forced to say in the script were very uncomfortable. She is over the top in her vocalizations probably to distance herself from the content spewing from her razor lips. Sara Malakal Lane competently rounds out the cast as Sophia, the unfortunate woman who falls in love with Oliver.

Productions wise, this is bare bones, low-fi stuff, the usual fare for Gravitas however in this case with this story it actually benefits the festivities. The stark almost functional and lingering camera work make Oliver and his world seem chillingly real adding to the disturbing antics within. Disturbing it is and nothing is glorified or glossed over. There are two scenes in the film that are truly tough to get through but wisely the movie does not dwell on this for the duration. Yes it's disturbing and twisted and totally sicko stuff but it's also so much more. Like evil with a conscience.

"Do it Oliver! Do it for mamma!"

Layers are what keeps this grisly boat afloat. Nothing goes unexplored here from Oliver's motivations, mama's incessant demands, and Sophia's own dark past. It is at it's heart a love story, one that could never happen, or could it? The film is better and more complex than the subject matter should allow. A smart script and incredible lead performance see to that.

Ah...young love in springtime...

Overall I found it mesmerizing, the disturbing images just drawing me deeper into Oliver's private hell and his hopes, dreams and weaknesses. If you end up caring even a little bit about Oliver, then the filmmakers have pulled off something incredible. Despite an overwrought performance by Roche and some truly hard to watch scenes I really ended up liking this one a lot. Is it right for you? Depends on how much you can stomach but those who give it a whirl might be pleasantly surprised. I will suggest this: Watch the trailer and if it looks to be too much, avoid it. Otherwise be ready to wind up delighted that you became absorbed in it.

Sick. Twisted. Brilliant.

4/5