Film Review - Rage (2020)

Triumphantly distressing, raw South African horror thriller with unrestricted shocks when you least expect it and an on-fire quality diverse cast, in particular an enigmatic performance from marvellous Nicole Fortuin, believable and intense proving again her leading actress flair I first spotted in, Flatland (2019).

Deciding to party hard in a small coastal town, staying in a rundown wooden house, a group of friends become sacrifices for a weird cult preparing for ritual and struggling to survive proving to be futile until a fightback led by Tamsyn (Fortuin).

As the friends collectively partake in an excessive intake of variable substances in house or on the beach, it seems that an additional drug has been slipped in by the sneaky cult lurking in the background, waiting for the right time to strike. The creepy twig-dolls covered in bodily fluids laying around are also key indicators of strange proceedings.

These appropriately creepy locals contribute to the eerie nature of the area and tension continues to build throughout when one by one, the young folks are captured under gruesome circumstances.

Seemingly being kept for ritual reasons, one of the group Roxy (Jane De Wet) remains wandering around trancelike with a hole in the back of her head unable to communicate what has happened. As the viewer we know and be warned; a large corkscrew like tool is the weapon of choice for this peculiar cult. Do it yourself medical scenes are unsightly.

Not quite the timeless The Wicker Man (1973 or the underrated comedic version of 2006) but, this exceptional indie definitely is reminiscent of Midsommer (2019) whilst remaining in its own identity of dread.

Besides excellent De Wet and vanguard Fortuin, the diverse cast includes scene stealer and natural standout Shalima Mkongi as Sihle. Carel Nel as Albert, is a despicable backwoods villain.

Tristan De Beer (Dr Who) and veteran Lida Botha, both part of an entire lowkey effective cast.

Chris Lotz provides high-quality cinematography of authentic Cape Town locales.

The curious score composed by Pierre-Henri Wicomb provides regular chanting combined with a spectral of odd musical notes.

Not a standard classic, please stick with Rage, the opening stanza may prompt you to tune out;
however, it rapidly picks up.

Fast paced, atmospheric, always intriguing, pushing your limits throughout, a low budget conqueror.