My Review Of "Killer Sofa"

"Killer Sofa" is a indie possession horror with a unique concept- the malevolent animation of an inanimate object. The film is directed by Bernardo Rao and stars Jed Brophy (The Hobbit), Sarah Munn, Stacy King, and Harley Neville. The New Zealand horror story with a creative mix subdued satire and diabolical forces. 

Francesca always attracted weirdos. When one of her stalkers is found dead, she looks for comfort from her best friend, Maxi. Meanwhile, Maxi’s grandfather, Jack, a disgraced Rabbi, comes across a reclining chair containing a Dybbuk inside. Jack and his voodoo sorceress partner try to find out where the recliner has been delivered while exploring Jack’s newfound gift for communicating with the other world. Meanwhile the reclining chair becomes enchanted by Francesca and starts committing crimes of passion.

Let's get the ridiculousness of the principal concept of the movie out of the way before I move on. It is a movie about a possessed recliner. Now let it digest, and settle. Still give the film a chance. This is so much more than the obvious set-up suggests and despite the clear desire to pass this film off as silly there is a real, straight forward horror story taking place. One closer to "Evil Dead" than "Evil Bong". 

First, the story standard horror affair. Elements of the occult, evil spirits, Jewish mysticism, and unfortunate victims of happenstance. My only outlying irritation is with the one of cultural differences, the film says "killer Sofa" when clearly it is a recliner. Now, for the most part "Killer Sofa" is fun, entertaining, and atmospherically rich with classic horror imagery.

The acting is quality. The cast, being very clear on the story's material and the director's intent, fully commit to these characters. The dialog and general writing is hit-and-miss. Some moments lose momentum but mostly the film offers entertaining, nostalgic horror movie moments that make you forget that, for the most part, this is a movie about a killer "couch".

The cinematography and lighting choices are cotton candy horror magic. Very riminescent of "Tales From The Crypt" and Italian giallo. The scene structure and atmosphere really elevate "Killer Sofa" to a level that steps beyond the usual material similar to this, mostly Charles Band and Full Moon Horror stuff. Plus this film at its core is a serious dybbuk possession film with only the slightest bit of satire. 

Overall I enjoyed "Killer Sofa" far more than I expected to, and on a level that went deeper than the superficial. Yes, you have to settle any reservations about taking a film about a killer sofa. Once you allow yourself to get into it, the movie becomes fun, quality horror that celebrates the classic horror fantastical notions that somehow struggle to find a home in today's "love of realism" home invasion, torture porn world. I think this film is worth checking out. (3/5)