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(Review)’The Conference’: A Gripping Blend of Horror and Workplace Comedy
• ‘The Conference’ (Konferensen) is an exciting horror-comedy film directed by Patrik Eklund and written collaboratively by Eklund, Thomas Moldestad, and Mats Strandberg.
• Follow a group of municipal employees celebrating the success of their new shopping mall project as they uncover unsettling questions and face unexpected sabotage.
• A talented cast efficiently portrays the relationships between the characters, revealing tensions and quirkiness within the ensemble that lay the story’s foundation.
• While most kills aren’t particularly intense, two moments are deeply connected to the characters and elevate it beyond mere executions.
• Cleverly woven plot devices, such as the inability to use cell phones, provide a refreshing departure from convention.
• Despite having complex character dynamics and a unique take on the slasher genre, it fails to deliver memorable moments for genre fans.
Prepare to be captivated by ‘The Conference,’ a thrilling film that combines spine-tingling horror with laugh-out-loud workplace comedy. Join a group of municipal employees on a celebratory retreat to mark the success of their new shopping mall project. But as they delve deeper into the mall’s plans, unsettling questions and an unexpected guest intent on sabotage throw their ceremony into chaos.
Directed by Patrik Eklund and written collaboratively by Eklund, Thomas Moldestad, and Mats Strandberg, ‘The Conference’ (Konferensen) offers a unique twist on the slasher genre. It expertly merges suspense with dark workplace humor, resulting in a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience.
The film’s initial stages focus on the intricate web of relationships among the municipal workers. The talented cast effortlessly portrays the dysfunction and tension within the ensemble, highlighting the dynamics, conflicts, and alliances. Each awkward moment, biting remark, and act of kindness fleshes out the characters, forming the story’s foundation.
While not all the kills in ‘The Conference’ are particularly intense, two standout moments pack an emotional punch. These moments are deeply connected to the characters and the story, elevating them beyond mere executions. Unlike slasher films, ‘The Conference’ keeps its killer grounded in reality, adding an authentic sense of danger.
Additionally, the film avoids lazy plot devices by creating believable circumstances that trap the group and hinder their attempts to seek help. The inability to use cell phones is cleverly woven into the storyline, providing a refreshing departure from convention.
Although ‘The Conference’ shines with its complex character dynamics and fresh take on the slasher genre, it fails to deliver the memorable moments fans crave. While it may satisfy hardcore horror enthusiasts looking for a unique twist, those seeking polished execution and quintessential genre thrills may want to explore other options.