Antlers (2021)

[Eric Prime]

Discuss

[FilmFincher]

The cinematography in this film is top notch. It's Scott Coopers first foray into digital and he doesn't fall into any of the trappings. Frames are carefully chosen and make excellent use of the mountainous locations. Colour grading and lighting were similarly on point. 

Creature design is also excellent and looks good for the most part, maybe only one janky shot. Was very pleased and expect nothing less from a film produced by Del Toro. 

 

The film is very small scale and understated, almost to a fault. It's really a three hander between Russell, Plemons and Thomas and they're all excellent. Their characters are less well served. There's a lot of backstory to Russell's character Julia that doesn't quite come into fruition the way you want it to, ultimately leading to a somewhat ambivalent ending (which seems like Cooper's intention?). In any case you're left emotionally hanging after a good set-up. 

 

The film is a slow burn but I enjoyed it throughout, especially the creature elements. The small town, rural America is right in Scotts wheelhouse and the film touches on a couple of interesting thematic elements.  

 

Was frustrated about the lack of more prominent Indigenous cast members after revealing what the creature is. Graham Greene turns up for a quick mythology dump but that's about it. 

 

I did like it overall, it's just missing the elements to take it over the edge.