Nightmares Film Festival 2020 may be over but what a hell of an experience that was! One of the best festivals out there and they absolutely killed it this year. We’re wrapping up our coverage this week and one my last reviews for the festival is Victim of Love, a chaotically beautiful, mind-bending horror thriller that is pure nightmare fuel.
This film was directed and written by Jesper Isaksen, and stars Rudi Køhnke (Ødeland), Siff Andersson (A God Without a Universe), Louise Cho (Le Accelerator), and Paw Terndrup (Gælden).
Synopsis for Victim of Love
Charly is looking for his American girlfriend, Amy, who disappeared under mysterious circumstances during a vacation stay at a hotel in Copenhagen. A few months later Charly decides to revisit the hotel to finally solve the mystery once and for all. However, Charly’s investigation is quickly derailed by the mysterious and flirtatious receptionist, Felicija, and his own gradually failing judgement that leads him into a phantasmagorical nightmare.
As a boss lady for two jobs out of three, I’m notorious for getting distracted while watching a movie or show and often have to go back and rewatch a scene or two. With Victim of Love, that wasn’t an option. This film needed and demanded my full attention. If I looked away for one second, I could miss something important or wonder what the hell was going on and I loved that. Pure sadistically beautiful chaos. It’s a powerful story about love, loss, obsession, delusion, and how quickly it can all turn into what feels like a never ending nightmare.
Rudi Køhnke and Siff Andersson had amazing on-screen chemistry and delivered outstanding performances. Rudi’s performance as Charly was brilliant but painful to watch, as you slowly seem himself eat away at his sanity. Siff’s character, Felicija, was one of my favorite parts of the film. She has a strong and powerful presence on screen and has away of captivating the audience that makes you fall in love with her character.
The beautiful cinematography and lighting for Victim of Love was also what made this film stand out above the rest. It’s dark, rich colors help deliver a moody and grim atmosphere with a hint of fantasy elements. Like the whole film is a dream… or more like a never ending nightmare.
Final Thoughts
Victim of Love was a beautifully chaotic film and different from the run of the mill horror films out there. I highly recommend checking it out and much thanks to Nightmares Film Festival for premiering it!