The transfigUratiOn
Martin manhunter
released OUT NOW! 2017 | 18 | Blu-ray/dVd Director Michael O’shea Cast eric ruffin, Chloe levine, aaron Clifton Moten, Carter redwood
Is it taking the mickey or commendably honest to directly reference the movie you’re clearly homaging? That’s what writer/ director Michael O’Shea does when his vampire-obsessive protagonist selects Martin as his favourite film. The Transfiguration essentially transposes George Romero’s film from ’70s Pittsburgh to the housing projects of Queens.
Orphaned 14-year-old Milo likes Martin because it’s “realistic”, and The Transfiguration is equally grounded: no crucifixes, garlic or bats here, just a troubled teen with a blade sucking the blood of victims in subways, parks and public toilets.
Camerawork bolsters the sense of realism: when Milo stalks his prey we’re often cast as distant observers, like a private eye watching from a parked car, as the score by Margaret Chardiet (aka Pharmakon) swells with ominous electronic motorcycle revs.
The bullied, withdrawn Milo likes Let The Right One In too, and there’s a parallel there in his relationship with outsider Sophie, a self-harming neighbour living with her abusive grandfather. Initially, this is a very downbeat tale – and a doom-laden one. We sense Milo is not headed for a happy ending; all that’s really in question is how many others he hurts along the way. But the sweetness of that budding freak romance – along with some humorous jabs at Twilight – make it palatable, and strong central performances by Eric Ruffin, suitably understated as Milo, and Chloe Levine, a ray of sunshine as the damaged yet effervescent Sophie, hook you in.
Extras O’Shea provides commentary, and discusses the film in an 11-minute Making Of. He also introduces four deleted/ extended scenes. A trailer completes the package. Ian Berriman
Two of Milo’s victims are played by veterans of indie horror – Larry Fessenden and Troma head honcho Lloyd Kaufman.