Just got through watching IFC's "RELIC". I honestly did not expect it to be as good as it was. Though a horror film it might be it is also possibly one of the best cinematic metaphors for life and death that I've ever seen. Particularly life and death through the eyes of three generations.
For what it's worth "RELIC" is a slow burner of a horror film that allows the viewer time to properly come to terms with the underlying premise of the story being told. It is a plot involving a granddaughter, a mother, and a grandmother. Through these three characters we see life how a youth would perceive it. With compassion, and caring for the elderly along with a daughter's reluctance to become the bitter adult her mother has turned into. We also see life and death through the eyes of the middle-aged mother who is afraid of old age, and desperate to preserve what remains of her youth which is quickly passing with time. A fear of growing old, and dying alone made manifest. Finally through the grandmother we see the toll time has taken. We see through her a final grasping for what memories of life she can recall, and her reluctantly relinquishing that life and it's memories when she realizes death has come to claim her.
In the final scene all three of the characters lie on a bed together. The grandmother representing death, and the realization of it. The mother representing the realization that aging, and death are a natural process and are not be feared. Leaving the youngest of the three to look mournfully, and fearfully forward as she realizes she too is no exception when it comes to time's decay. Ultimately respecting her elders, and their fight to hold onto that which is most precious. Valuing life ever more so, and respecting death equally as much.
Final Thoughts ...
RELIC is a truly thought provoking, and powerful visualization of the naivety of life, the eventual cherishing of it, and the horrors of the inevitable death. That, and the final journey into the unknown where only memories accompany those who are dying during their departure from life.
I cannot recommend this film enough. If you have the stomach for realistic gore effects, fearful tension, and death personified I think it's a worthwhile watch. If only for the underlying message that is reflected through it's characters, settings, and plot.
RELIC earns an enthusiastic "5 out of 5 🎃's"
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