Spring (2014) Review

‘Body horror’ is a bit of an unusual term, the definition being a ‘subgenre of horror that intentionally showcases grotesque or psychologically disturbing violations of the human body’. It’s unusual because that definition applies to a lot of horror films.

That said, self-proclaimed body horror Spring, perhaps better fits the definition in the way it was intended.

After the death of his mother, Evan (Lou Taylor Pucci, Evil Dead and AHS 1984) re-assesses his life (being in his early twenties) and follows a forgotten dream – to travel to Italy. Leaving his troubles behind, he embraces the adventure and while in a rural setting, meets a mysterious girl named Louise (Nadia Hilker, Magna in The Walking Dead).

The two have an immediate connection, but Louise is unusually forward and insists on moving quickly in their relationship. Before long, Evan falls in love with her, irresistibly attracted to her mysterious, yet infectious nature. But as he gets closer to her, he learns that she is hiding a dark secret… That she is a form shifting creature that must feast on blood to survive.

Horror films based on romance between humans and monsters go back to the origins of the genre, with the charismatic Universal or Hammer vampires. More recent films have done well to reflect our more accepting/diverse societies, showing more equal participation in these relationships. No longer are they based on enchantment, instead they are more focussed on the connection between two beings that must overcome their differences – often with a Romeo and Juliet-style outcome.

And this is where films like Spring defiantly cross genres entirely, being as much a romance as they are a horror film.

No matter how much ‘body horror’ or gore there is, ultimately this story is about a loving couple accepting one another, regardless of their differences, then somehow trying to find peace in an unaccepting world. And as expected, it isn’t long until this forbidden union leads to danger. Thanks to Louise’s uncontrollable urges, they are soon on the run from the police.

In Spring, it’s easy to connect with the main characters. Evan is passionate, driven by the emotions we all have. Louise is lost and seeks some form of normality in her unique circumstances.
Pucci and Hilker have good on-screen chemistry which makes their feelings for one another all-the-more believable and engaging.

The general feel of the film is warm and dreamlike. Even Louise’s often ghastly transformations can’t detract from the exotic locations and soft-focus cinematic style.

Spring is essentially a two-person act throughout driven by the lovers’ dialogue. What starts as a simple love affair driven by a desperate situation, gradually unfurls into a blossoming relationship filled with openness and fascinating stories from the past (from Louse). Okay, it’s not terrifying, but it’s a refreshing change and gives the film a unique flavour.

Spring is interesting throughout, but isn’t in a hurry to run the story, making it a slow-burn affair, driven by the intrigue around Louise’s nature.
It won’t give you nightmares, but it definitely delivers on variety. It might be a little too slow in places for some, but if you want to watch a film that is more than just fast thrills it’s a great choice.

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