The home invasion sub genre can be a particularly uncomfortable one. There is a realism seen to the movies that is not always found in horror. The fact the films are usually willing to take the actions found within to incredible extremes makes things worse. People cannot help but ask, “what if that were me?” As frightening as the thought is, it is also accounts for much of the attraction.
Making its international premiere at the Fantasia Film Festival, Lucky is a different type of home invasion movie. Touching on topical themes such as why victims remain silent and why no one believes them, the film uses a popular horror sub genre as a powerful metaphor. More than a scary flick, the film addresses a serious issue.
May is a self help author who is having a rough go of things. Her latest book is not selling well and now she has a mysterious stalker. Meanwhile, her boyfriend seems completely nonplussed about the whole thing. Written by and starring Brea Grant, the script is very clever. The title gets its name from how survivors are usually described. Grant flips the language of horror to deliver the message of the film. Common phrases like, “it doesn’t happen in the daytime” and “thank you for listening” take on a whole new meaning in Lucky.
Things can get a little heavy handed, but considering the themes the movie is handling, they absolutely should be. Lucky is a movie that deals in real world horror. It is the type of tale that would lose its power if it were sugar-coated. Lucky presents the audience with a different sort of terror. There is not a high body count or grotesque effects. The story attacks May (and in turn, the audience) in the safest places. It comes off as a story about domestic violence, with May having no place to turn to or person to trust.
The film also has a surreal sense of comedy. While what is happening to May is certainly not funny, Lucky is shrouded in dark humor. The story will make audiences laugh in disbelief. This is clearly what the film is trying to do. Horror has always been a front runner in allowing women to take strong leads. Lucky tells an impactful story that will resonate with anyone who watches. Using home invasion, the film is unafraid to dive head on into antiquated norms.
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