Violett (2023) User Reviews

A nightmare wolf in dream sheep's wool

[bryntilly · 8/10 · 30 October 2023]

Some of the best horror films are those that burn slowly, embers of nightmarish intent smouldering until the end, and continuing to burn into the mind long after the final image fades.

VIOLETT (named after the young girl in the film) is a study of psychological disrepair, shrouded by an ominous cloud of despair. It's a young woman's personal hell, a mother, Sonya (Georgia Eyers), traumatised, struggling to cope, terrified for her young daughter's safety.

There is danger at her doorstep. Her husband is at wit's end, and her neighbours are weird. As Sonya's reality unravels - providing the viewer with a suitably unreliable perspective - the darkest truth is finally uncovered. It's a terrific ending.

Imagine David Lynch down under. Think the elements of mystery and allure from Blue Velvet, but from the point of view of Dorothy.

Writer/director Steven Mihaljevich has conjured a very dreamlike portrait of the ruinous nature of guilt. Rich in symbolism and texture. It's a film that is beautiful and grim in equal measure. Georgia Eyers is fantastic in the lead role as Sonya.

Watch it on the biggest screen you can.

Fantastic film

[jrlj66 · 8/10 · 28 October 2023]

Coming from Western Australia myself, I try to watch as many Western Australian made flims as I can, and Steven J. Mihaljevich's 'Violett' is one of the best I've seen. His previous film, 'The Xrossing' is well worth a look too, but 'Violett' goes to the next level.

The stand out is the absolutely stunning cinematography by Shane Piggott.

Excellent performances from the entire cast. Georgia Eyers as Sonya carries the film beautifully. Jay Jay Jegathesan is creepy and terrifying as an evil version of a children's TV character. Mani Shanks as the young Sonya will be one to watch out for in the future.

This is a very well written and directed film; a very tense and moody psychological horror/thriller/drama.

Visually stunning & truly emotive

[benjeffery-36293 · 9/10 · 3 January 2024]

This is a film made by people flexing their visual chops and showing some high level talent. The whole film is utterly striking in its aesthetic and in particular in use of colour palette.

The performances are really strong - the young actors are a highlight and the main leads are incredible. The cast is an assortment of interesting and often unsettling characters and all fit perfectly into the world that has been crafted.

The plot is engaging and the story is a affecting, layered and revealed at a nice pace. There are layers to the story that take it deeper than the standard horror film.

Strongly recommend.

Horror of the Year!

[mariamsera · 10/10 · 11 December 2023]

In a landscape saturated with formulaic horror films, Violett stands out as a genuine movie with substance. It evokes a sense of unease and discomfort that is rarely achieved in contemporary cinema. The film's ability to balance psychological depth with a gripping narrative, along with its' almost amusing absurdist elements, makes it a standout in the horror genre.

Violett is a cinematic triumph that explores the shadows of trauma with finesse and originality. From Georgia Eyers' powerful performance and Jay Jay Jegathesan's unnerving and mesmerizing portrayal, to the eerie cinematography - the film is a testament to the artistry and writing of filmmaker Steven J. Mihaljevich. It's a must-watch for those seeking a horror experience that transcends the genre's conventions.

Special mention must be made of Mani Shanks, who delivers a remarkable performance as young Sonya. This cast and crew will be ones to watch!!

Scary, suspenseful, and viscerally thrilling.

[qtmzjjwrc · 10/10 · 31 October 2023]

This Australian movie was filmed with tact, grace, and art to a surreal exploration of trauma, abject, grief of a traumatised mother.

Violett set the standard for modern horror films.

A truly suspense psychological thriller as effective as Steven John Mihaljevich best work and with a brilliant twist ending.

Creepily atmospheric and haunting.

Violett is a potent ghost story of a mother's paranoia, her disturbing visions that threaten her sanity.

Steven combines supernatural elements in a truly frightening and unnerving way.

Violett draws on childhood trauma for a story that deftly blends magical fantasy and hard-hitting realism - and leaves a lingering impact.

Layered, Dense, Observed

[smeghead101 · 10/10 · 28 October 2023]

This slow burn piece is intoxicating. From its delicious colour palette and complementary production design to its extraordinary lead performances, there's nothing about this film that won't reward the thoughtful viewer. There's often too much caution in an earlier slate of Australian horrors and this film does not pull its punches. The ineluctable sense of trauma that builds from its first moments has you clutching at the armrest, and director Mihaljevich dares you to look away. His cohort of performers rise to the challenge of his detailed script, with unaffected and raw performances from lead Eyers and a long overdue return to the screens of an ever compelling Angela Punch McGregor.

Particularly appreciated was its commitment to a sonic experience, marrying a score and design that genuinely plays boldly - it certainly wrapped the audience in its nacreous delights on the night I saw it.

Any ambitious young actors should look to Mihaljevich's precise form of storytelling to render for themselves what is truly important in harnessing a relentless, engaging and challenging character over ninety minutes.

I want to see more from this filmmaker.

Suspense and Thrilling at its best

[deborahtheoptionsgroup · 9/10 · 26 November 2023]

A tense and gripping feature that's cinematically outstanding. You are captivated from the onset and are drawn into the woven web of the world of Violett.

Yes it's dark but tinged with empathy and emotion but chills you with its twists and turns.

So well cast and for the lead to be her second feature the talented Georgia Eyers will no doubt make her a name to remember.

My first thought was this was filmed in the US but that's how brilliant the writer and director Steven Mihaljevich is a fine filmmaker from Western Australia who will no doubt be moving fast in his field.

Great team of Steven, Helena Polley and Ben Chase.

Horror done right!

[Oscarmillarb · 10/10 · 25 November 2023]

If you are wanting a run of the mill- popcorn slasher, this isn't the movie for you. This film has heart and challenges you intellectually as you try to work out what is going on. And when everything starts to come together, you won't want to stop watching as you are hit with twist after twist.

If you love beautifully shot films, this one is up there with one of the best for its budget, which is also heavily influenced by its stellar direction. The camera is like its own character in this film, deceiving us with when and what we were seeing, in a way that was authentic and kept you wanting more. We get beauty when we were expecting horror and vice versa.

Amazing film with an incredibly chilling ending. Do yourself a favour and watch this film, it will stick with you for a long time.