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In the 1920s and 1930s, HP Lovecraft wrote short stories and novels that made futuristic prophesies about humans not being the centre of the universe. His concept that the universe is fundamentally alien actually gained a worldwide following and Gildark’s beautifully shot film brings it to life in a convoluted horror story about disappearing children, demon possession and ferocious librarians. While the story follows university lecturer Russell Marsh (Jason Cottle) as he returns to his hometown of Rivermouth for his mother’s funeral, the constant presence of the crashing ocean and eerie music heightens the strange going ons that cram the narrative.
While Russell refreshes his intimate friendship with long-time friend Mike (Scott Green), his homophobic father (Dennis Kleinsmith) rants and raves and leads a cult that seems to be comprised of most of the town. Set in the not too distant future, there are constant reminders of global warming, polar bears dying, hostages being taken and Eskimo terrorists. Dreams and flashbacks drop hints about Russell’s troubled past and leave a fairly confusing trail of clues as to where everything is heading. The film is jam-packed with scary moments, including Tori Spelling turning up out of nowhere to seduce our hero.
Cthulhu is certainly a film that you need to see with a group of friends so you can argue about what it all meant and what really did happen in the end. It screens as part of the Revelation Film Festival, which is on 3-13 July at the Astor Cinema in Mt Lawley. Check out www.revelationfilmfest.org for times and other films that are on offer.
Cthulhu is rated M and directed by Daniel Gildark.
