The Fantasia International Film Festival has always been a great showcase for new directors looking to start their careers with some buzz. And the 2020 festival is no different.
A solid number of first-time directors have found their way to the festival this year. With one of the most interesting being Xia Magnus with their debut feature Sanzaru. It follows a young woman named Evelyn (Aina Dumlao) who takes care of an elderly woman suffering from dementia (Jayne Taini). She begins to question the world around her as more and more mysterious events start to happen.
Sanzaru is not a film that easily gives the audience the answers they are looking for. More and more horror films have decided to take the approach of hinting at something otherworldly happening, without fully committing to the idea. Allowing the audience to exist in a space of confusion and increased tension.
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Where this gimmick can work, it has undoubtedly been overdone in recent memory. Sanzaru undoubtedly suffers from it. Even with the haunting visuals that do help the film stand out, none of the possible horror elements quite felt as engaging as the movie clearly would like. And sadly made the overall horror side of the film feel a bit dull even if it remains unnerving.
What does work as mentioned, are the visuals and directing within the film. The shot composition from cinematographer Mark Khalife is masterful. Always sucking the most tension out of each shot that is humanly possible. The directing from Xia Magnus clearly is one of talent and focus. Which is impressive to see on this level coming from someone who is making their feature debut. Every single detail of the film, despite effectiveness, works together creating a clear and focused product. Which is something not even achieved by many experienced directors.
What does stand out is the drama of the film. Mostly due to the incredibly talented cast of the film. Seeing the inner conflicts that each character goes through felt captivating and really well built. Not only are the likes of Aina Dumlao and Justin Arnold incredibly likable, clearly trying to do the best they can with their difficult situations, but Jon Viktor Corpuz and Jayne Taini also impress in supporting roles.
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The emotional depth is realistic and never feels like it is pushing too hard to be something of impact. Where the film overall has masterful control over its tension and pacing, these performances also show a tremendous amount of control – and easily could be used as jumping-off points for any of these actors.
Despite failing to achieve its goals as a horror film, Sanzaru still is undeniably impressive as a tense drama that features really strong directing and performances. For those who get the chance, Sanzaru is worth the time needed to check it out providing so many memorable and impressive elements. Even if it won’t be the best or most memorable film of the year.
