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Review of "Under the Raven's Wing"In a voice-over, the director tells us that this was neither the first nor the last time these events would take place. As he saw it, Raven wanted the girls to focus solely on her, and the girls simply saw it all as "tenderness." It’s never revealed if Jessie and Raven had a sexual relationship before the filming of the documentary began or whether Raven was simply playing it up for the camera; nor do we learn whether or not Angel was ever seduced by Raven.
While this scene sounds as if it’s exploitative, it’s actually rather tame. The film doesn’t play to the male gaze, either — the lesbian scene doesn't read as a means of titillating the male character. Sex is strongly implied rather than explicitly shown, and in fact the only person who ends up topless is the director himself. The surveillance-style camera angle renders the viewer a bit of a peeping tom, though, and I found the scene to be more unsettling than it is arousing. Apparently these tenuous mental and physical connections are enough for Angel and Jessie to allow Raven to be the ringleader and to hang on her every word. To me, their devotion seems unlikely, and this was the biggest problem I had with the film.
Kamilla Sofie Sadekova ("Angel") & Jessica Palette ("Jessie") Group dynamics among girls and women fascinate me. Often there's an alpha female among a group of friends — the leader of the pack. If the girls are school-age, she's the most popular. Generally, the alpha is a master manipulator who rules by fear, sometimes masked in a guise of concern. Raven never particularly struck me as being charismatic enough to maintain such a hold over her friends. She's surly, controlling and at times verbally and physically abusive, but she never really balances out her cruelties with enough kindness to propel her into the role of a cult-like leader. All three girls have suffered their share of sexual abuse, and each is dealing with her own demons, but despite strong performances from Amato, Sadekova and Palette, the relationships didn't quite come off as truly symbiotic. In the end, Raven's real motives remain unclear. That said, I'm all for films that explore the tangled dynamics among women, and Under the Raven's Wing was a pleasant enough surprise. There are horrific elements to the film, but it's not what you'd expect from your typical scary movie, particularly in the indie realm. It would have benefited from some judicious editing, but Raven's Wing is certainly a strong directing debut from Susan Adriensen, who's carved out her own particular niche as an indie horror actress in films such as The Blood Shed and Pink Eye. Horror is a genre where women are vastly underrepresented, whether behind the camera or on-screen in powerful roles. Adriensen and company seem to be setting about to change all that, and I'll be waiting to see what they come up with next.
Watch the trailer:
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i used to get excited about movies like this...
but for the most part every time i get let down. if the movie somehow floats my path i may watch it but i'm not going to look for it. It seems to me like one of those movies u can buy for a dollar at walmart or something. i'm not hating though bc a few turn out to be surprisingly decent in fact one of my favorites i happened i find it there ! i guess i shall see if i ever have the chance to watch it. the dynamic relationship btwn the 3 girls and the power one has over the others does intrigue me to watch a little just bc that's my women's studies class kickin in :p
~*~"That's what we all dream about isn't it? Someone who looks so deeply into our soul that...they'd find something worth dying for."---Gabrielle~*~
"How Raven discovered these
"How Raven discovered these other layers of existence is never revealed — probably because it's all a big load of bull invented after a few too many trips to Hot Topic"
That was funny! But the movie does sound interesting...
Hmm..
Maybe they should have based (/drawn) Raven's powers (/from) on a certain Survivor Vanuatu/Micronesia contestant...
under the ravens wing
Really?
SORRY ... Wont watch it
They lost me by putting a MAN into the sex mix. Do we need more of these films ???? NO NO NO NO !!! I'd rather watch a Vlog on AfterEllen then sit through another dissappointing ALMOST LESBIAN movie.
Let it go straight to video.
Tristen
I wish i had just watched the trailer first
Then i wouldent have read the article lol. The article made it sound interesting.
W/e i only watched the trailer and i can tell the actings horrible...
God helps those, Who help themselves.... In bed.
See the movie first
I'm sorry you feel that way. I only hope we as women can all support other women in the film business. The industry is dominated by men and it's very difficult for women. In Hollywood only 5% of features made are directed by women!!! 5%! In afterellen's forum there are women who say they "dream" about becoming filmmakers. Why is it a CAREER for men ... and only a DREAM for us?! I think supporting one another is the first step.
I hope you can come out and see the movie and judge for yourself. Unlike some movies with nudity and blood and gore, the physical relationship is subtle yet the storyline is intriguing. It's disturbing ... yet darkly humorous. The reviews all over have been excellent.
For those who are in Kentucky, "Under the Raven's Wing" will be screened at the Fright Night Film Festival on Friday, August 15th at 7:30. www.frightnightfilmfest.com
We will also have a special screening in Indiana at the Dark Carnival Film Festival ( www.darkcarnivalfilmfest.com )where I will be on a panel for Women-in-Horror (Horror films - also saturated with men's point of views!).
The actors are SUPERB! Unlike many low/budget indie films, we auditioned our actors. They were excellent.
As for going straight to video, of course it will. How many movies made by women will ever see a theater outside of a film festival???
For the ladies who commented above, if you can't come to these screenings, contact me and when the movie is packaged and the DVD has the Bonus Material included, I will send you a copy. underravenswing @ gmail dot com
Let's support one another in this world.
Thank you, ladies, for your time.
Susan
Under the Raven's Wing now available
... on amazon.com and beyond.
Please give the film a chance and support female filmmakers. We're a rare breed....
Susan