Walking on “Pins and Needles“: suspense, gore and a missed opportunity?
Pins and Needles Review
In the landscape of films, particularly in indie thrillers and suspense, “Pins and Needles” emerges as a fascinating case study. Let us dissect the narrative and execution of “Pins and Needles,” a thriller directed by James Villeneuve, showcasing both its suspenseful ambition and logical pitfalls. Anchored by performances from Chelsea Clark and other talented actors, the movie is a melange of gore and suspense that tantalizes the viewer's psyche, albeit sometimes in a nonsensical manner.
Key Takeaways
- The films heavily lean in on psychological suspense and gore, leaving room to criticize its narrative feasibility.
- The plot revolves around a protagonist with acute diabetes, exploring survival under dire circumstances.
- Despite strong performances, the movie falters in logical progression and character decisions.
The Role of Suspense and Gore in Indie Thrillers
Suspense and horror are the lifelines of indie thrillers, and “Pins and Needles” attempts to exploit these elements to their fullest. Pins and Needles, however, really wants us to focus in on the gore, as a pay off to its predictably suspenseful build ups. This approach reflects a common trend in horror cinema where the sensory shock value often takes precedence over a coherent narrative. By creating intense and visually jarring experiences, the film aspires to conjure a visceral reaction from its audience.
I also must note, while the film does not shy away from gore and shock, it sometimes pushes these elements beyond the boundaries of believability through the eyes of the Antagonist. The “wonky behavior and crazy antics” serve more as a spectacle than a seamless part of the story. This overdose of shock value, reminiscent of the infamous “Scream” franchise, aims for a “Matthew Lillard” level of outrageousness that does not always hit the mark. Sometimes less is more and works as even more diabolical or menacing.
The Fresh Conflict and Impact of Logic
The narrative foundation of “Pins and Needles” is its exploration of survival amidst extreme circumstances, centered on the character Max, portrayed by Chelsea Clark. Despite the film's high intentions and fresh take on the hero conflict, I had to criticize its logical consistency, pointing out that the main actress just completely does the opposite of everything that's logical in this film. This dissonance strikes a significant blow to audience engagement, as viewers are pulled out of the immersive experience by the protagonist's inexplicable choices.
Survival stories thrive on realism and logical decision-making, conditions under which the characters' plights seem both plausible and relatable. But, when Max's actions contradict common survival instincts, the suspense gives way to frustration, diluting the tension that could have been substantial. The narrative oversight in accurately depicting the protagonist’s condition—particularly her acute diabetes and the resultant medication regimen—I must simply cite as “downright medically impossible.”
Chelsea Clark Shines
In “Pins and Needles,” the actors step up with performances that show a profound grasp of their roles, even when the content does not entirely support them. Chelsea Clark, in particular, garners admiration for her portrayal of Max. She brings her “terrified” A-game.” The commendable performances emerge as a silver lining, serving as a testament to the actors' capabilities despite the script's shortcomings.
Even with a strong lead, the film's narrative structure hinders character development and the overall impact of the suspense thriller. The dissonance between the actors' potential and the script's inability to provide a convincing plot diminishes the films believability. The cast really don't really have much to work with,” underscoring that even talent can flounder without a robust narrative framework.
VERDICT
Venturing into the heart of indie thrillers, “Pins and Needles” represents the tantalizing yet challenging aspect of crafting a suspenseful narrative that maintains coherence and draws the audience in through relatable circumstances. While it aspires to leave a mark in the genre with its fresh blend of severe medical conditions up against psychological thriller elements and gore, the inconsistencies in plot logic and character decision-making undercut its potential impact. The film exemplifies a struggle between ambitious storytelling and practical execution, often leaving the audience questioning the feasibility of the plot advancements.
“Pins and Needles” provides a fertile ground for discussing the intricate art of storytelling in a genre that thrives on both visceral and logical engagement. It should very well know that its audience is smarter than this.
Pins and Needles opens June 24 in the US.
This post was written by Keith ‘Klep' Napier, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Critix. You can find his reviews, interviews, and other cool works at WeAreCritix.com, as well as on social: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube.
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