Title: Rabies (Kalevet)
Directed by: Ahron Keshales and Navot Papushado
Starring: Lior Ashkenazi, Danny Geva, Ania Bukstein, Menashe Noy, and Yael Grobglas
Running time: 94/minutes, Unrated
Two couples driving to a tennis match stop on the side of a wooded road when one of the girls to pee, and they accidentally hit a guy who has already been injured and is looking for his sister who has fallen into a trap. Meanwhile a park ranger and his dog happen upon a woman who is almost murdered by a knife wielding maniac. The two men from the car leave their girls behind to help the man find his sister, when two shifty cops show up. All their lives intertwine and aren’t all what they appear to be.
This film was completely unexpected. The title was misleading, but it’s such a great story. It was filmed at an estimated $500k, and to produce such an excellent product on a low budget is incredible. My only complaint is that I had to read subtitles because the dialogue is in Hebrew, and maybe the bit with the dog. The acting by all was just great. Many likeable, yet tragic characters and the evil cop Yuval (Danny Geva) reminds me of an Israeli Willem Dafoe.
There are no special features other than a cryptic trailer. I wish I could say more, but I’m not going to spoil this film for anyone because it’s that good. This is by far one of the best horror movies I have seen in many years. The blood is just the right amount, and the violence leaves some to the imagination while still subtly revealing the carnage.
I cannot praise this film enough, it’s absolutely brilliant. It takes a lot to impress someone as cynical as myself, and I’m still in awe.
Total Rating: A
Reviewed by: JM Willis
