Talk Film Society - Seal of Approval: Suspiria (2018)
The Talk Film Society - Seal of Approval is awarded to those films the staff here deem worthy of your attention.
This week, we highlight the new remake of Suspiria, directed by Luca Guadagnino and starring Dakota Johnson and Tilda Swinton. Set in 1977 in Germany, where RAF kidnappings and bombings line the backdrop, the film follows an American dancer, Suzy Bannion (Johnson), who is admitted into a prestigious dance academy run by a group (coven) of women (witches), one of them being the lead choreographer Madame Blanc (Swinton).
Going all the way back to the film’s announcement, there has been hesitation and questions like, “Do we really need a Suspiria remake?” and, “Why the hell is it 152-minutes long?” Turns out all those concerns were unfounded. To think, people doubted a Luca Guadagnino film, scored by Thom Yorke, that features not one, not two, but THREE Tilda Swinton performances!
Take our word for it. Here’s what some of our staff has to say:
“Yes, I’ve seen this film three times now. It has successfully burrowed inside my head and has yet to leave. And full disclosure, I didn’t care for this when I first saw it at Fantastic Fest back in September. It wasn’t until I watched it a second that that it finally hit me — Suspiria is a dense, multi-layered masterwork, not easily digestible with a passing glance. It’s a horror tale of politics and female supremacy, with an incredible score, sensational performances, and one wild final act. If it doesn’t stick to your bones then consider yourself lucky, because Suspiria has grown into a full-blown obsession for me.” - Marcelo Pico
“I can’t imagine the guts it takes to remake Suspiria, but I am so glad that Luca Guadagnino did! It is a film that demands repeated viewings, not just for Tilda Swinton’s roles, but also for the visuals, costumes, choreography, and thematic background. Rare is the near 3-hour movie that leaves you wanting more, but Suspiria is exactly that.” - David Giannini
“Suspiria demands you fall to your knees and bow down to its wretched extravagance and confounding narrative tangents. You must give yourself over to the dance and let the film wash over you.” - Manish Mathur
“You are meant to be put under a spell with Thom Yorke’s dreamy score and Luca’s insane visual choices. It sings its own song, holding hands with Argento’s classic while still making it to the same destination.” - Rockie Juarez, from his review.
