Malefique (2002) 6/10

Malefique is yet another in a slew of French fright films to come out in recent years. Due to the success of films like High Tension, Inside, and Them, Malefique finally sees American distribution.

Malefique is about a group of prisoners stuck in a French prison. They find a book of spells hidden inside the cell that was once owned by a previous prisoner practicing the dark arts. The current start combing through the book hoping to find a spell that will release them, but what they find is...TERROR!

So this is a pretty inventive flick that takes place almost solely inside one prision cell. The fact that the film is engaging and interesting throughout is a testament to the director's ability alone. The characters are fairly well drawn out and have pretty distinct personalities. Since the film does take place in one location the bulk of the film is driven by dialogue, which is ok but eventually loses its punch. Is it gory? Sure, at certain points but the film isn't really a gore flick like it's being promoted as. Although the film is already six years old, it doesn't seem dated which can be attributed to the single location as well as a subtle color scheme. All in all the film just feels kinda dull. Sure, its watchable and I wanted to finish it, but by the end I just didn't really care so much. I feel that the film's single room location was stretched just a bit too thin and could have benefited with maybe a little bit more action and less dialogue.

Malifique isn't a bad movie, but it isn't great either. If the synopsis sounds interesting and if you really like the french new wave of horror, check it out. If you're new to the scene look elsewhere first.

Gore - mild/medium

Nudity - none

Overall - 6/10