Introduction: The Conference 2023 review
In a cinematic landscape dominated by sequels and reboots, the emergence of groundbreaking modern slasher films on Netflix has been nothing short of a revelation. The streaming giant has become an unexpected haven for the genre, from the wickedly fun “The Babysitter” series to the chilling “Fear Street” trilogy. Among these, the Swedish gem “The Conference” stands out as a masterful blend of horror and comedy, delivering a scathing critique of corporate greed against the backdrop of a team-building retreat turned nightmarish bloodbath.
The Conference 2023 review
Storyline:
“Tomorrow will be historic for the municipality: the time has come to prep for a press day for the future site of the Kolarängen shopping mall!” The stage is set for a team-building retreat, as project manager Jonas (Adam Lundgren) strives to make the ambitious project a reality despite public opposition to building on top of a farm. Led by Ingela (Maria Sid), the team views this excursion as a blend of work and pleasure, disguised as “competence development” to keep it tax-deductible.
A cleverly crafted script allows us to get acquainted with every character before plunging into chaos. The group arrives at Kolarsjons Holiday Village, where they are assigned cabins based on their astrological signs. Each character’s distinct personality begins to color their individual arcs, adding depth to the story. From the underestimated Lina (Katia Winter) to fiery Jenny (Lola Zackow), Jonas’ lackey Kajan (Christoffer Nordenrot), and the lovable old couple Torbjörn (Claes Hartelius) and Annette (Cecilia Nilsson), the cast is diverse and engaging.
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The Conference 2023 review:
The Conference 2023 review
However, the supposedly idyllic retreat takes a dark turn when the staff members start to disappear, falling victim to a masked figure wearing the mascot head of the Kolarängen shopping mall’s very own “Sooty.” The mask’s simplicity, with its wide open smile, oversized eye holes, and jaunty brown hat, adds an eerie touch to the film. As the body count rises, the mystery of the masked killer deepens.
Main Focus:
Character Dynamics and Creative Kills: The brilliance of “The Conference” lies in its meticulously developed characters. Co-writers Patrik Eklund, Thomas Moldestad, and Mats Strandberg skillfully acquaint the audience with each member of the ensemble before chaos ensues. The team’s dynamics, rife with corruption and greed, serve as a powder keg that ignites as the masked killer, sporting the mascot head of the impending shopping mall’s Sooty, begins to methodically pick them off.
The Conference 2023 review
Director Eklund’s mastery is evident in the stalk-and-slash sequences, marked by clever transitions and unexpected twists. The simplicity of the killer’s mask, with its wide grin, oversized eye holes, and jaunty hat, adds a sinister touch to the proceedings. The kills themselves, though not as graphic as the likes of “Saw,” are inventive and occasionally cringe-inducing, offering a balanced blend of gore and dark humor.
The Conference 2023 review
The Darkly Comedic Tone:
What sets “The Conference” apart is its unapologetically dark comedic tone. Almost every kill is punctuated by a well-timed joke, be it in the dialogue or through expertly executed cutaways. Director Eklund, along with editor Robert Krant, turns the camera into an active participant in the humor, enhancing the overall experience. The cast, with standout performances from Katia Winter, Adam Lundgren, and Bahar Pars, showcases impeccable comedic timing, elevating the film’s entertainment value.
The Conference 2023 review
Conclusion:
“The Conference” is a relentless slaughter-fest, a rollercoaster ride of creative kills, sharp humor, and incisive social commentary. While the storyline may be minimal, focusing on revenge and corporate intrigue, the film’s strength lies in its portrayal of complex characters navigating a nightmare scenario. Eklund’s confident direction and the cast’s compelling performances create an engaging and darkly entertaining viewing experience. Though a tighter runtime could have elevated the pacing, “The Conference” stands as a cut above recent Netflix offerings, delivering exactly what it promises in the most satisfying way.
The Conference 2023 review
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