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Weekly Review -- Friends and strangers... who is who?

Thesis (1996) -- One of the first offerings from director Alejandro Amenábar, this thriller is a simultaneously exciting and gloomy metaphor of our time. While writing a thesis about violence in the media, film student Angela (Ana Torrent) uncovers a real snuff video. Horrified, yet intrigued at the same time, she decides to investigate its origin, getting more than she bargained for in the process... Amenábar recognizes the fine line between aesthetic jolts and pure carnage. Unlike some lesser directors, he is not relentless in pursuing cinematic displays of gore, because he knows the difference between shock and schlock. Above all, he is subtle in proving his point using the characters' reactions and emotions, rather than the simplicity of blood and guts. Most of the film's suspense is achieved through camerawork, unique angles and editing techniques; the scene in which Angela first watches the snuff film comes to mind. The dark story and tones of Thesis are beautifully offset by the playful chemistry between Torrent and Fele Martínez, who plays Chema, Angela's newfound acquaintance. The cinematography by Hans Burman is an undeniable addition to the atmosphere of the film, showing us a sinister world that isolates humans from one another in a desensitized trance. The points made about violence near the end come across as a bit clunky, but the overall message is powerful and thought-provoking. Thesis is a measured and intellectual horror film that examines violence in our society through sociological and personalized perspectives, making it required viewing not only for fans of the genre, but for anyone who is occasionally stymied by human nature.

8/10