I read, saw, listened to, played - issue 75

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Here comes a new selection of culture bits, with suggestions I didn't think I'd get around to, but when you get strong recommendations, well, you can discover interesting things that are a bit outside your usual scope. And that's the whole point of sharing: to help you discover new things.

The Troop - Nick Cutter

Recommanded during an episode of The Darkened Threshold, this horror novel was available at the local library, so I gave it a try. A very gory novel, according to Jason Cordova, who reads a lot of them.

The pitch is quite simple. 5 teenagers, members of a scout troop, spend a few days on a deserted island with their troop leader, off the coast of Prince Edwards Island, Canada. One night, a strange, thin but hungry man comes ashore. The horror begins.

I won't go any further into the spoiler. The stranger arrives on the island in the very first pages. There's no game of hide-and-seek; the encounter is brutal. Isolated, the characters are left to themselves. And it's not going to end well.

The book is tough, because its writing doesn't skim the surface. It's violent, physically and psychologically. It's gory, both with the fantastic part but not just that. Our five senses are put to the test. And there were times when I really shuddered, putting the book down to catch my breath. And it's an effective page-turner. We want to know what happens next.

At certain points, intra-diegetic extracts are inserted between chapters. This gives the story a different perspective. A view from the outside: a police report, a newspaper extract on the aftermath, a trial report... This provides information about what's really going on, without the characters having to know. This allows us, the reader, to better understand and be even more horrified by what's happening.

Content Warning: do not read this book if the following subjects are likely to make you really uncomfortable: body horror, parasites, animal abuse, child abuse, physical torture, mental torture, contagion.

I can't remember reading a book this gory in a long time. But it's not just that. There's a thrilling story behind it, and that's what keeps it all together. A beautiful discovery.

How to make a killing

A few days ago, I discovered the program Vidéo Club, with Franck Dubosc. It was recommended to me, and it was very interesting to discover a well-informed cinephile, with a very good reading of himself, of his roles, but also of the cinema he loves. I found myself in it to some extent.

Franck Dubosc is mostly known in France for being a humorist, having made himself known with silly video vignettes, one-man show, and popular comedies that are... well... not my liking. So, I was surprised by the content of this video (which is in french).

And so I was interested in his latest release, How to make a killing (Un ours dans le Jura, a bear in the Jura), which he wrote, produced and directed (as well as starring in).

• A Fargo in the Jura (french snowy mountainy region)
• How a succession of bad choices leads to worse and worse situations
• Discover Laure Calamy, the film's revelation
• Benoît Poelvoorde as a gendarmerie major: far from stupid, pragmatic and not overplayed.
• Lots of situational humor. We laugh without forcing ourselves.
• It's still a well-executed thriller, with its share of revelations.
• An excellent cinema moment, which I warmly recommend (despite the snow).

Person of interest - Season 1

• A nostalgia-filled rewatch
• Endearing, complex characters.
• A rich season 1, despite the “Person of the Week” episodes: HR, Elias, Root, Finch and Reese's pasts...
• Fusco
• Despite the technological gap, the series is still captivating for its human side.
• A fair number of familiar faces in supporting roles!
• A strong soundtrack that adds to the overall effect. Both in the original score and in the integrated tracks.
• I'll be talking more about this in the months to come...

Scream VI

• Direct sequel to Scream 5, with the same cast of survivors
• Head for New York, the Big Apple...
  • ... but the environment is not exploited, except perhaps the refreshing bodega scene.
  • The subway scene lacks intensity and tension. The potential was there.
• It's bloody, but the characters stay in pretty good shape, considering the blows they take (stabbing and otherwise).
• Misses the mark on a number of aspects.
  • The secret boyfriend isn't exploited enough.
  • The stated rules of the requel sequel: none are respected. They should have gone for it!
  • Not enough surprises
• A good slasher, but a rather weak Scream.