I’m a person who actively avoids eye contact, and generally feels like everyone may want to hurt me when I’m in a crowded space full of strangers. In fact, there are a few times in my memory when I was sure many people I’d known for years wanted to hurt me. So, I was surprised to see these anxieties manifest on screen in director Stéphan Castang’s film, Vincent Must Die. The titular character, Vincent (Karim Leklou), has his first encounter with violence via an intern at work. He’s surprised when it happens, but doesn’t bother to press charges. Then, it happens again – but with a different person. Then…again. Uncertain to the cause of these seemingly unprovoked attacks, he must completely change his way of life.
There is a lot of dark humor in this film. However, it’s also quite terrifying due to the idea of isolation required, because literally anyone Vincent encounters becomes a potential threat. Castang and co-writer Mathieu Naert use this conceit to achieve both excellent horror and comedy. The attacks are brutal, as they come out of nowhere – especially at first. Yet, there is also an opportunity for humor, like when Vincent tests his theories on what triggers the attacks. He tests it with a man on a balcony across the street. The guy waves and continues smoking, but suddenly takes on the defiant stance we’ve seen a few other times. He then lobs a heavy-looking object at Vincent in an effort to hurt him.
The film dives into Vincent’s emotional state and fear of being alone. It’s a great theme to explore, and the film does it through a waitress named Margeaux (Vimala Pons). They meet after he lies about not being able to go into the restaurant so that someone will bring him food to avoid angering a large crowd. The film uses Margeaux to explore the odd phenomenon, as well as Vincent’s desire for love. These two performances are both great and serve as the backbone of the film.
The downside of the film is it feels like it drags on for a bit too long. Some elements become redundant, and the film seems to lose its way and whatever it’s trying to say at times. The rules of Vincent’s condition are unclear, and that makes for some sloppy storytelling. Early on, he believes it is eye contact – but not once does he employ mirrored sunglasses to deter people. This is something that seems obvious if he’s correct, and if he’s wrong, that would have been a great way to show it. Still, Vincent Must Die is entertaining, and has strong enough performances that make it worth your time.
Vincent Must Die is playing at the Fantasia International Film Festival.
Rating: Decent Watch
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