Saturn Bowling is a 2022 French-Belgian dark serial killer neo-noir thriller about a series of murders that ensue around a bowling alley.
Directed by Patricia Mazuy from a screenplay co-written with Yves Thomas.
The movie stars Arieh Worthalter, Achille Reggiani, Y-Lan Lucas, Leïla Muse, Frédéric van den Driessche, Olivier Faliez, Elisa Hartel, Emmanuel Matte, Nicolas Lepy, Frédérique Renda, Denis Ardant and Anne-Lise Heimburger.
Plot:
When his father dies, Guillaume, a police officer, inherits the family bowling alley and decides to give it to his homeless younger half-brother Armand. However, the gift is seemingly cursed, setting off a series of brutal murders.
Both brothers find themselves drawn into a demon-filled abyss and will have to face their tainted heritage. Darkness reigns over their world where the only rules are the rules of the hunt…
Reviews:
“In terms of pacing, after that first act, the move transforms into a slow burn, a gritty thriller that becomes a bit of a cat and mouse game […] It’s a character-driven serial killer movie with eye-catching cinematography and a narrative that delves into the ugliest parts of mankind.” 1428 Elm
“I’m less enthused with the weighty hunter/prey analogy running through the third act — too much symbolism is a thing — but overall, Thick Skinned director Patricia Mazuy, writing with frequent collaborator Yves Thomas, knows what she’s doing. The little film that results is a solid, flawed gem.” Flick Attack
” …has suggested supernatural elements, but it’s more a metaphorical take on how terror, trauma and neglect fashion an inescapable maelstrom of misery. Strong performances and a grungy Neo-noir vibe terrifically enhanced by DP Simon Beaufils (Knife+Heart, 2018) suggest Mazuy will break out of her art-house cult status with this French-Belgian co-pro…” Ion Cinema
“It all leads to a rather convenient and clichéd climax, and by that point, you’ll have had to suspend a lot of disbelief to stay onboard with Saturn Bowling‘s frustrating narrative […] the climax feels oddly rushed […] It’s a shame as Mazuy displays a lot of talent in creating a stifling, scuzzy atmosphere that will have you needing a shower after viewing her film.” ★★★ The Movie Waffler
YouTube reviews:
Release:
In the US, Saturn Bowling was released theatrically in select locations by Dark Star Pictures on September 22, 2023. The movie will be available everywhere on demand (VOD) on October 24, 2023.
Technical specs:
1 hour 54 minutes
Aspect ratio: 1.85: 1
Original title:
Bowling Saturne
