It doesn’t feel as if there has been a load of suspense and intrigue to be had at cinemas lately, but with TIFF firing up for this weekend, many trailers are starting to hit the web for flicks set to debut at the festival – and “Dead Europe” certainly looks as if it could fill that void.
Starring “Let Me In” and “The Road” star Kodi Smit-McPhee, “Dead Europe” follows a young photographer by the name of Isaac (Ewen Leslie of “Sleeping Beauty” fame) who — while taking the ashes of his deceased father from Australia to Greece – learns that his family has some rather insidious mysteries dwelling in their past, having something to do with the fate of a young Jewish boy (or at least that’s what we gather from the trailer). While attempting to drown his sorrows in a flurry of substances, Isaac's world slowly unravels when it becomes clear the secrets that have haunted his family have no intention of leaving him be.
This is the feature directorial debut of “The Tall Man” documentarian Tony Krawitz, who’s also lined up actor Marton Csokas (“The Debt”) along with Smit-McPhee and Leslie for what looks like could be a potentially atmospheric and thoughtful little thriller. Rather than a rote B-Movie like the title and premise suggest, this looks to be a drama mixed with a bit of psychological horror, and we’re totally cool with that. Hailing from the producers of “Animal Kingdom” and “Shame” – which gives us a little boost of confidence in this one — check out the trailer ahead of its debut at TIFF below for yourself.