User Reviews

Horror fans would be familiar with the legend that director Jarno Lee Vinsencius has chosen for his latest short feature. Whether you know her as Bloody Mary or in this case the Madame in Black, the folklore remain the same... say her name in front of a mirror and invite her to come out and play. The opening of this movie is welcome enough when we see the two central characters, Alex and Emma as kids who carry out said act, before a shadowy reveal of the titular nemesis. The issue is in the choice of editing which breaks the suspense of this initial jump scare with a on-screen credit, and this unfortunately has a domino effect on the remainder of the movie. The film is beautifully shot and contains all the hallmarks of a typical horror film, but falls short in a few clunky choices in the storytelling and the spirit never quite manages to shake her shackles within the tight timeline to truly evoke enough fear in the audience. A case in point is the decision to cast the story some twenty years later, when Alex and Emma are grown up and they decide to carry out the deed once more, but from here on in, the plot wobbles around a bit and feels disjointed and fragmented. With a bit more breathing time and place as a feature to allow Vinsencius the opportunity to flex his obvious creativity on-screen would benefit immensely. As it stands though, it's a good enough short to keep you invested through to the end and holds promise for any future endeavours that the director chooses to go next. Horror is always a hard subject to tackle, especially in the short format, but when it's done well, it can really leave a mark and resonate with its audience. This movie just narrowly misses out on landing that killer punch, but is still effective in capturing the heart of the legend and placing it in a modern setting. Keep your eyes peeled for future projects from this promising director.

This movie was better than expected. The mysterious environment is very suitable for this urban legend. Svarta madam (Madame in Black) is probably the directors best work so far. Great production. All actors did an excellent job, especially Demis Tzivis with his enchanting gaze.

Thumbs up 👍🏻.

Disclaimer: I was given a link by Writer/ Director Jarno Lee Vinsencius to see this movie.

Summary

What began with a gruesome murder in 1633 evolves into a game by 1995. One in which we watch two children call out what is known as "Madame in Black." Which, at the time, does nothing but maybe produce something of Alex's (Demis Tzivis) imagination. Fast forward 22 years and they dare play this game again. However, now Alex and older sister Emma (Ida Gyllensten) have something to lose. First, their sense of safety, then potentially their sanity, but is the Madame In Black just a ghost or part of the characters' collective imagination? You gotta watch to find out.

Highlights

The Score

Most horror movies are consistently good at two things: The first being creating jump scares and the second being having rich scores. I'm talking about the kind which can travel from making your hair stand to remind you how creepy classical music can be. All of which sets a tone to put you both in a relaxed state as well as paranoid for you know it is a trick.

With Madame in Black, this is done throughout the whole movie with music which brings the quiet moments to life. Which helps you get into the head of the actors who are starting to get a sense of paranoia. Especially as they find Alex's claims of perhaps seeing the Madame in Black perhaps not just his imagination.

Criticism

Character Development

One of the issues for a lot of horror movies, especially ones built around a killer who could lead a franchise, is that while the killer is presented as this interesting figure, the would-be victims are made to be disposable. Which is the main issue with "Madame in Black" for while Emma, Alex, and their spouses Sarah (Jennica Landén) and Harry (Kase Chlopecki) seem nice, why care about them dying?

Are you supposed to just because of your humanity? The idea that you shouldn't want anyone killed violently? Well, to me, that isn't enough. On top of that, it the Madame in Black isn't like Jason, Freddy, Chucky, or the other icons in horror. If you don't call her out, she probably won't kill you. So to feel something for people who call out a tortured spirit? It is rather difficult. Especially when you only learn their name and who they are in a relationship with.

Overall: Mixed (Divisive)

When just speaking about the build up to when the Madame in Black appears, I have only positive things to say. The score drives the creepiness of the impending appearance of the Madame in Black and keeps you on edge. But, with us learning so little about the characters, it makes it so you don't really for them. Especially since they aren't innocent for they are the ones who called out this spirit.

Hence the mixed label for, in the realm of horror films, you can see potential here. For all that really needs to be done is give us characters who we actively don't want to see die and maybe beef up the Madame in Black's backstory. For while a paragraph explaining how she died and saying said story became a children's game is fine, I think with just a little bit more done, there could be a new horror icon.

Fantastic production and generally all the actors are doing their job, but it's one actor that outshone all other, Demis Tzivis. He takes his job to the next level and gives everything and then some. The couch scene where The Madame in Black appear, the eyes and the screaming is worth an Oscar.

Superb film, a short film that is perfectly paces, has echos of classic horror such as Candyman and Dracula all the way through it. I genuinely loved it and would happily pay to see a feature by the same director if this the kind of dark, twisted beauty that he can create.

Atmospheric,creepy and doesn't show too much until it needs to.

Fab.