It’s always a pleasant surprise when you stumble upon a hidden gem which manages to break through all the buzzing static of mainstream horror and presents an original story. Even better if that film delivers unique supernatural themes, merged with subtle art-house aesthetics and experimental cinematography, while also fully utilizing its limited budget.
BLACK CIRCLE from 2018 is a Swedish speaking film, by Spanish director Adrian Garcia Bogliano, which was produced for under $100,000 dollars. In it, we find two sisters, Isa and Celeste, who are haunted by a strange and mystical old vinyl record from the 1970’s, which has separated them from their ethereal forms through means of “magnetic hypnosis”.
They soon discover that what first began as a promise of self-improvement via subliminal messages during periods of deep sleep, may have actually unleashed dark, otherworldly energies into this plane. As the sisters try to solve the mystery of the cursed record, an ominous gatekeeper known as “The Supreme” is stalking them from just beyond the veil, drawing ever closer and more real.
While BLACK CIRCLE might hold some slight nods to previous works such as DONNIE DARKO (2001), INSIDIOUS (2010), BEYOND THE BLACK RAINBOW (2010), and GET OUT (2017), it still manages to find new ground as it delves into the subconscious exploration of horror, and how this can be visually represented through inventive methods of cinema and soundtrack.
Though BLACK CIRCLE got mostly positive reviews, some found it to have a muddled, incomprehensible ending, or criticized its pacing and a narrative that was hard to follow. Yet, despite these “flaws”, it would be difficult to argue this isn’t a well crafted independent film with a unique plot and some interesting sequences and ideas.
It’s a high concept art film with good performances and atmospheric setting, both trippy and mesmerizing, all on a small budget. Running its fingers through the psychic apparatus of psychological horror, it asks us to examine ourselves and the hidden nature of the world around us. Don’t get me wrong, this movie isn’t going to be an “instant classic”, but it was a nice interlude off the beaten path.
Personally, I think every time you endorse a great small budget horror film, you are taking a stand against monopolized Hollywood remakes of The Hills Have Eyes Part 14, and Leatherface in Space (!!!). When you support an original idea, you are saying “NO!” to the corporate pillaging of our beloved horror icons, and asking filmmakers to get really creative and offer something new.
Whatever the case, I’m curious to further explore the works of filmmaker Adrian Garcia Bogliano, who is now considered a “veteran” director, with half a dozen films to his credit including HERE COMES THE DEVIL (2013), and LAST PHASES (2015). Who knows, maybe I’m just a sucker for vinyl records and cursed objects. BLACK CIRCLE is currently available to watch on NIGHT FLIGHT.
And I’m not even going to lie, I would probably still watch “Leatherface In Space”.
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Michael A. Dyer is the host of the HORROR TO CULTURE podcast and website.
