The Sonata

source: The Sonata

A decent horror flick that overall feels like a missed opportunity. About 20 minutes more for some backstory adding a touch more character development and I think we could have had a right winner. That and CGI looked like it came out of a video game. That all being said, I enjoyed it for the movie it should have been.

I had the chance to catch the film at the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival in a packed full house. It was amazing to share the emotions in this room. The film was in Official competition and I understand why ! The cinematography is exceptional ! Reminds you a lot of "Woman in Black" very Hammer type of smart Gothic thriller. Really cool mystery thriller with characters that are true and believable. I loved Freya Tingley in "Jersey Girls" and here she is just nailing her part. Simon Abkarian has this charisma that gets you on the edge of your seat every time he appears. I think it is Rutger Hauer's last feature and he did not disappoint as this threatening figure. It is very well directed film, the pace is perfect and get you straight into this eerie atmosphere. The story builds up beautifully until a crazy climax scene that will let you breathless. And finally let's not forget the music that will haunt you for days. AlexiS Maingaud did a crazy job to materialise this cursed piece of music that is enchanting and disturbing at the same time !!! I wish they would do a live concert soon !!! I enjoyed every minute of this film and I wish it had been longer. I really recommend this film and cannot wait the next feature of this talented director !

Rose Fisher (Freya Tingley) inherits the large manor of her estranged compose father Richard Marlowe (Rutger Hauer). She rummages through his belongings and discovers a sonata with strange markings. Together with her agent, they decipher the strange symbols on the sheet music. This is not the first magical/evil composition film. With Rutger Hauer, the production had a 1950-1960's "Boris Karloff" feel to it. Unfortunately, the film spent too much time on a moody teen that could not carry the film by herself with the lame dialogue, Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity.

Greetings again from the darkness. A throwback to 1970's cinema is easy to appreciate, whether it was intended or nor. Writer-director Andrew Desmond's debut feature film certainly serves up the feel and style of so many of those low-budget horror films I watched as a youngster (many, it seemed, featured the late Roddy McDowall). Mr. Desmond and co-writer Arthur Morin (also his first feature film screenplay) likely viewed some of those same films, as this one succeeds in capturing the same creepy tone. For some, the music they create comes from their soul ... it makes them who they are. For these musicians, their obsession and quest for perfection can be off-putting to others. In an early sequence, we see young violist Rose Fisher (Freya Tingley, "Once Upon a Time") react to news of her father's death by shrugging and stating she wants to continue with her recording session. See, Rose's father deserted the family when she was a toddler, and the two never spoke again. Richard Marlowe (Rutger Hauer) was an exciting and brilliant young composer when he chose to drop out and live as a recluse (think Salinger). He's even compared to Pink Floyd founding member Syd Barrett. Rose chose to never use her genetics as a springboard to success; never even telling her manager Charles Vernais (Simon Abkarian, CASINO ROYALE) of the connection. Rose visits Marlowe's house, and before learning of the startling manner in which his life ended, she discovers his final composition locked away in a drawer ... a violin sonata seemingly left for her to find. Neither Rose nor Charles recognize some of the non-musical symbols included on the sheet music, but it's clear there are elements of genius in the piece. While Charles envisions piles of cash to be made by capitalizing on this situation, Rose sets about tracking down clues to the unknown symbols by exploring her father's estate. It should be noted that Marlowe's "house" is actually the 19th century Cesvaine Palace, and it makes a wonderfully gothic setting for this story. This sub-genre of horror films is always best when the setting is a creepy old mansion/castle, and includes a mysterious housekeeper, other-worldly children, a leather-bound book of secrets, and a subterranean room (this one is beneath a chapel) with curious wall murals telling some forbidden legend of the occult. The only element missing here is vicious dog that pops up periodically. The symbols lead to a French secret society, and in their own ways, both Rose and Charles learn that finishing Marlowe's final piece will conjure the Anti-Christ. While Charles pursues greed, Rose pursues the music. Spoken words pale in comparison to the music Rose creates. Screen veteran James Faulkner appears as Sir Victor Ferdinand in a vital supporting role. While it's a bit disappointing that the late, great Rutger Hauer has very little screen time, it's quite enjoyable to watch Ms. Tingley carry the lead. Mr. Desmond filmed in Latvia, and delivers a film that fits quite nicely for those who enjoy the creepy throwback horror style.

Love Freya Tingley since I discovered her in Hemlock Grove. She's amazing in The Sonata and I really loved her character.

Not as good as the reviews, good music but overall weak for the sharp mind, if you like violin playing go for it, if you like horror, don't!

Very reminiscent of old Hammer horror films, with superb locations, quality performances from virtually all of the cast, superb music scoring and a really well orchestrated atmosphere of dread and suspense reminiscent of The Devil Rides Out and it was proceeding so well until the end and the last 10 minutes of the movie just fizzled and burned out like a damp squib. It had all the ingredients too, including a well paced and original story but what could have been a really great horror-thriller was spoiled by the rushed ending and brief CGI - such a shame but it is still well above average and beats most of the recent horror drivel that has been coming out of the film studios recently so a fair 6.5/10 from me!

The photography in this film is quite marvellous, as well as the atmosphere and, certainly, the music. The story is a bit lacking and it's been poorly executed. Overall, it was enjoyable, if one doesn't ask questions or even tries not to think. It had a promise of being an outstanding movie, but turned out weak.

Sonata is a movie that takes music in a (horror) movie and makes it about music in the movie as movies make music for the movie :). The problem with the movie is slow pace thus not offering nothing more noteworthy for the viewer. The idea of hidden notes in music having a certain effect on "time and space" is ok, but the director stretches it all to much, thus making the film's potential somewhat watered-down.