Queen of Earth : Movie Review


Queen of Earth (2015) - Movie PosterThe weight of the whole, bitter world claims two lost souls (and possibly, chillingly, more) in chamber-piece showstopper "Queen of Earth," writer-director Alex Ross Perry's (2014's "Listen Up Philip") haunting paean to female relationships, psychological decay, and the birth of something altogether more suggestively hair-raising. Joining the esteemed company of Roman Polanski's "Repulsion" (1965), Ingmar Begman's "Persona" (1966), Robert Altman's "3 Women" (1977), David Lynch's "Mulholland Drive" (2001), and Charlotte Perkins Gilman's 1892 short story "The Yellow Wallpaper" as the latest artistic watermark delving into potentially shifting identities and ultimate madness, the film mesmerizes on an unshakable level from its volatile opening sob to its diabolical closing cackle. Nestled in between these bookends are two remarkable performances from Elisabeth Moss (TV's "Mad Men," 2010's "Get Him to the Greek") and Katherine Waterston (2014's "Inherent Vice"), their miraculous work burrowing without so much as a flinch into emotionally tenebrous territory.

There was a time when Catherine (Elisabeth Moss) prided herself on how responsible and put-together her life appeared on the outside. While best friend Virginia (Katherine Waterston) retreated to the quiet solace of her family's unoccupied lake house after a run of disappointments, Catherine kept busy in the city, managing the affairs of her father, a prominent New York artist, and getting serious with boyfriend James (Kentucker Audley). Just one year later, Catherine's foundation has collapsed, abandoned by the two people whom she presumed would always be there for her. Shell-shocked by the one-two punch of her dad's suicide and James' curt breakup, she hopes that a week-long visit in the country to see Virginia will give her the peace of mind she needs to move forward. She's fooling herself. The prickly relationship between these two women is still very much in evidence, and Virginia, who has begun to made amends with her past while continuing to enjoy the less stressful pace away from Manhattan, isn't willing to put her newfound contentment and romantic involvement with neighbor Rich (Patrick Fugit) on hold. Catherine, in turn, feels betrayed that she isn't receiving the empathetic shoulder she thinks she deserves. Little by little, her increased isolation and the trauma of her recent setbacks begin to manifest themselves in disturbing ways. She is on the verge—nay, in the midst—of a mental collapse (and likely something much worse), and she barely notices.


See Dustin Putman, TheFilmFile.com. for full review

Author : Dustin Putman, TheFilmFile.com.