THE PERFECTION (2019) Review

Netflix Originals continue their gold rush run of entertaining titles with THE PERFECTION. A graphic tale of revenge, twists and pure wtf moments. While the title doesn't exactly achieve its namesake in terms of quality, it is original and shocking enough to get tongues waggling about what the mind has just taken in.

When troubled musical prodigy Charlotte (Allison Williams) seeks out Elizabeth (Logan Browning), the new star pupil of her former school, the encounter sends both musicians down a sinister path with shocking consequences.

Your best bet here is to go in knowing nothing about the film. Please note: DO NOT WATCH THE TRAILER as it gives away a KEY PLOT ELEMENT! The acting is especially good here with both leads turning in convincing performances and the supporting cast does well with the exception of Steven Weber who has become a caricature of himself and every villain he's ever played. The story is deliciously twisted and the shocks are well conceived and never heavy handed. The bounce from genre to genre is off-putting initially but decidedly well blended in the end.

All is not perfection alas, as I found some of the content quite predictable. There are a few scenes that didn't make a whole lot of sense and some plot points that didn't jibe at all. You really have to push away logic at times to enjoy. What starts as a horror drama/psychological terror unravels to a glee-filled, gory and somewhat campy excursion but this is dealt perfectly by the jaw-dropping finale. Lastly while I did truly enjoy the feature I couldn't shake the feeling that I didn't watch a movie but rather an extended episode of Tales from the Crypt, a really good one. The crux of the story would have made a bang up anthology segment.

The Perfection isn't perfect but before the credits roll the flaws are fleshed out and in some cases fixed completely. The whole affair feels like an anthology segment but is well played, never boring and maniacally entertaining. Veering into manic horror from a slow, methodical mind bending start, it wisely stays the course and finishes strong. It may not get a 4/5 from me but it's the strongest 3.5 I've ever given. Check it out!

3.5/5

88jrd

NOTE: Please disregard all of the stupid reports of people watching this and getting ill. Maybe these folks need to be spoon fed disney cartoons. There are some strong moments in the film but nothing that hasn't been done more hardcore in other films.