Livide (Livid) (2011)

Livide is a 2011 French horror movie that was a pleasant surprise for I ended up liking the film better than I expected. Although, that's probably because I'm not a big fan of the horror genre in general.

Livide revolves around a young woman named Lucy who is beginning her training as an in-house caregiver. During her visit to an unattended old woman who is in a cerebral coma and living in an isolated, looming house, she discovers that years earlier she had allegedly placed a large treasure within one of the many locked rooms in which Lucy pursues to find to better her life. Plot wise it does tell a good story while avoiding the stereotype characters that plagues the genre. It is a bit slow in the beginning, but it does allow for some appropriate character development and motive for why the characters are doing what they're doing. Also, Lucy is the first female heroine I genuinely liked allot. Usually women (and even men) in these kind of movie would be too afraid to fight back against a supernatural being or killer of some-kind and just accept death. Lucy on the other hand fights back (in a literal term) and doesn't become a victim of the genre. She's actually interesting and well written character that's fascinating to follow. In terms of scares, it won't give anyone nightmares which will disappoint some. It does feature several cringe-worthy moment and some brutal deaths that make up for it. Even if it doesn't manage to scare the viewer as much they want, Livide still offers well written story that makes up for it.

I would recommend this film to horror fans for they might view it as a decent horror picture. There's not a whole lot of blood and gore here, but the very few moments when it does contain blood and gore are immensely satisfying. It doesn't go over board with a large body count and the special effects for the kills are brutally realistic. I do believe horror fans will find more to complain about as well. It does contain some elements that will annoy them (jump-scares for example) and a lack of clear explanation in some area, though you can't go wrong with Livide if your a huge fan of horror. Also, did not watch any trailers for it will spoil some elements from the film.

The cinematography is visually beautiful and rivals some it genre best films. Its imagery gives the plot depth allowing you to interpret certain scenes for yourself which adds to the experience. The score can be overused at times as some scenes would have worked better if they were silent, but the brooding score will at times make your heart pulse. Also, this film would have not been the same if were not for actress Chloe Coulloud in the leading role. Coulloud makes the character very likable and gives her plenty of emotional depth. She brings her character to life in a way that you become immerse in her character and seeing how in the film she fight against supernatural beings will make her one of the more memorable actresses in this genre. The supporting cast are also good, but not at the same level as the leading actress.

Livide is a beautifully filmed French horror film that delivers few brutal deaths with a well written plot that is fascinating to follow. Weather or not if you're big fan of the horror genre you will find something to like about in Livide even if doesn't scare you.