Experimental film – an artistic practice relieving both of visual arts and cinema. Its origins can be found in European avant-garde movements of the twenties. These films are generally quite different from, and often opposed to, the practices of mainstream commercial and documentary filmmaking. These films are often characterized by the absence of linear narrative and the use of various abstracting techniques.
When you throw some horror elements into an experimental film, well, some crazy shit happens!
Wonderland is a feature film, formerly titled Vivid, and it comes to you from Micro Bay Features. It is written by Devanny Pinn, Keith Kraft, Jimmy Clauz, with Brandon Slagle, who also serves as director. Wonderland stars Rachel Grubb (The Horror Vault), Deneen Melody (“The Playboy Club”), Bill Oberst Jr. (Abraham Lincoln vs Zombies), Al Snow (“WWF”), Barry Ratcliffe (“Army Wives”), and Tawny Amber Young (“Rock of Love”); creators Brandon Slagle (Patient Zero), Devanny Pinn (The Black Dahlia Haunting), Keith Kraft; along with cameos from Karen Zombora (Pot Zombie 2) and Britt Griffith (“Ghost Hunters”).
Wonderland follows, “A serial killer who uses an experimental dream-melding drug called ‘Wonderland’ to place his consciousness into the bodies of various individuals, to experience what it is like to live and die as another person.
First and foremost, I need to say that Wonderland does an amazing job at showcasing Brandon Slagle and Devanny Pinn as dramatic actors. By now we all know that they are excellent performers and two of the brightest talents in the horror scene. However, while watching Wonderland I almost felt like I was watching Emmy Award nominated performances on Law & Order or CSI. Genuinely disturbing performances. Even their facial expressions conveyed so many conflicting emotions. I’m blown away by their abilities in this title and need to congratulate them on a job well done.
I mentioned in the beginning of this review that Wonderland is an experimental film, which means that this is not your run of the mill horror picture. The death scenes are kept to a minimum and are not as explicit as you would think. The real horror lies in the story, a terrifying mindfuck that is complex and spine tingling. Although, I will say that there is a chase scene near the finale that ends with a professionally put together battle sequence.
Wonderland is the most original horror-thriller that you will see in 2014. Aside from the plot and the stellar acting performances, the experimental elements are what will really make this movie a hit in the marketplace. It’s filled with intimidating voice overs, digital graphics, interesting editing techniques, and other production decisions that break the film making mold. You will watch the entire movie, hooked from start to finish by the ghastly and grim imagery, and think you are on the wonderland drug yourself. It was such an amazing, rewarding experience to watch Wonderland because it tried to be different and succeeded. It accomplished what few other films in its field dare to achieve and it did it well.
Also, Wonderland has some pretty awesome homages to A Nightmare on Elm Street, Inception, and Terminator. See if you can spot them all!
My only complaint is the complexity of the story. Certain aspects could have been explained in deeper detail as to not confuse the viewers. I found myself confused at times. Wonderland is not for the average horror fan. You need to pay attention and you need to be able to figure plot points out for yourself. And don’t be sidetracked by secondary characters! One in particular hijacked a pivotal scene and subtracted from its impact. (I guess that’s a criticism too…)
Wonderland is well worth the wait. Sneaky, bloody, and a psychological thrill ride. As the characters do some blow, your mind will blow as well. One of a kind and daring, Wonderland succeeds in being one of the best experimental horror films in recent years. I give it 7.5 out of 10 stars. Creativity, people! It does wonders!
