Written and directed by Sparky Tehnsuko, an orphaned girl seeks revenge on the creature that destroyed her home but discovers more in its lair than she bargained for. Starring: Isla Gie and Bella Ramsey.
As soon as Villain opens it hits some wonderfully atmospheric notes, quickly pulling in a lot of tension and melancholy. Part of that is using such a natural setting, it’s not being forced artificially but using an organic darkness and isolation which is extremely effective. Then as it moves forward and does bring special effects into the mix, it still holds onto an authentic feel. They’re perhaps used a touch more than they were needed but they’re good work.
Choosing to work with no dialogue is a risky decision, especially in today’s landscape of short attention spans but Sparky Tehnsuko does make it work to his advantage. There’s a great deal which doesn’t need to be said but is still easily communicated. However, it does feel as though the film might have benefited from dialogue, it’s solid on its own but there are emotions and themes at work which could have been pushed further. As it also feels like the story by the end is quite simple, it would have been great to see a few more layers at work.
Part of the reason that silence does work for the most part is the performance from Bella Ramsey, adding a lot to the strong presence of Villain. She does a great job of portraying a complexity and conflict, as well as a deeper damage, without needing to say a word. Isla Gie also does a superb job for such a young age, easily capturing the confusion and naivety of her character. There’s a strong connection between Gie’s Sabra and Ramsey’s Georgia, but in a more unconventional sense which is built on conflict and vulnerability.
Villain has a strong aesthetic, a compelling atmosphere and a thoughtful hand behind the camera. However, the story doesn’t feel as absorbing as it could be, being more akin to a beginning than a complete journey. Not using dialogue was a risk worth taking and you can see the intention behind it but it also may have been a hinderance in the film reaching its full potential.
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