Madam Review

Madam is a 2021 short film directed by Alex Bernardi.

Soaked in an undeniable Lynchian vibe, Madam is a brooding and nightmarish character study that leaves a lot to the imagination in the best way possible.

Take a bit of Eraserhead and Twin Peaks and combine them together to form this short film from Alex Bernardi. While this is a film that many will either find sickeningly delectable or woefully alienating, there is no denying the sense of atmosphere that is created here.

That atmosphere is in large part thanks to a mesmerizing bit of sound design from Stefano Fiorentino, who conjures the instant Eraserhead nod as mentioned before. It is brooding and unsettling, achieving an instant horror sound scape.

The cinematography from Bernardi himself is drenched in deep shadow, shot in a claustrophobic 4×3 aspect ratio that really only leaves our unhinged protagonist to guide us through this short. On that note, the performance from Rocio Ileana Ferretti is great, with a full committal to the role of someone battling through an obvious sociopathic disorder.

Much like the work of David Lynch, this is a film that, while an easy recommendation for any horror fan, is not for everyone. Of course, a casual film viewer may find this piece far too abrasive, and it certainly is an acquired taste.

However, there is still a genuine artistic spirit on display here. The decision to frame the narrative forward and backwards is never an easy one to maintain, but it really gives the essence of what is going on in the mind of our principal character.

Madam is a twisted take on a character unhinged, that really forges a unique identity for itself. Each frame is carefully crafted and has a beauty whether playing forward or in reverse. Even with its more unique and niche sensibilities, there is still a lot to take away and enjoy.

To follow on social media: Production Instagram, Director Instagram, Website, Facebook.

Cheers!

Daniel Hess

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