Requiem

Though it deals with the same sort of subject matter as last year’s The Exorcism of Emily Rose – a deeply religious girl is thought possessed and an exorcism is authorized – Requiem generally has the look and feel of a typically slow-paced foreign drama. That being said, Sandra Hüller’s subtle, undeniably powerful performance certainly goes a long way towards elevating the film to something that’s much more memorable than it should’ve been. Hüller stars as Michaela Klinger, a meek young woman who finally breaks free from her ridiculously overbearing mother – only to start suffering from bizarre episodes that may or may not be otherworldly in nature. Director Hans-Christian Schmid has infused Requiem with an austere sort of vibe that effectively echoes Bernd Lange’s spare screenplay, while star Hüller deftly steps into the shoes of a complicated character that is – more often than not – far from likeable. And although the film is never quite as compelling as Hüller’s performance, this would probably make a fitting companion piece with The Exorcism of Emily Rose.

**1/2 out of ****