‘The Perfection’ Netflix Horror Movies + Spoilers

Netflix landed ‘The Perfection’ on 24th May 2019 as one of their many horror movies. So far, most people I’ve spoken to are raving about this obsession-infused thriller film. The story’s ability to be unpredictable is what makes it so much fun and so, for the first half of this review, I’ll be as spoiler-free as possible. The other thing The Perfection does well is maintaining that ‘don’t look away’ feeling that’s often missing from gripping films. And, for me, this story was one I couldn’t look away from. Furthermore, it’s not shy about being controversial and of course, there are plenty of unpalatable parts to the newest Netflix Original.

The story begins with Charlotte sitting in a chair and cutaway sequences are used to show what she is thinking about. They’re shown in brief flashes of information and each lends its hand at not giving too much away. All within the first 40 seconds and, purely with visuals alongside the quiet muttering of Charlotte’s aunts talking in the hallway you are given a stringent set of facts. So if you’re looking for a good horror movie to watch on Netflix tonight, add it to your watchlist.

Charlotte

Charlotte is a good daughter who’s been looking after her sick mother for many years. Her death is imminent and the clue to this is contained in her aunts’ conservation as they talk about what Charlotte might do next.

When her mother does die it’s clear immediately that Charlotte’s only plan is to find her teacher Anton, and the girl who took her place when she left the esteemed academy. The heartbeat of the story is shown as one of the missed opportunities and a sorrow so deep there are scars on her wrists which we see as she hugs her former champion of the arts. There’s a twinkle in her eyes when she spies Lizzie, the newest protege.

Good Trailers and Bad Trailers

From this early point in the Perfection movie, everything is so subtle but seemingly obvious at the same time. In addition, the trailer for the film points to Charlotte being the antagonist. Similarly, the hectic visuals in the one-and-a-half-minute trailer show a calm Charlotte amidst notes of chaos played in harmony with weapons chains, and spiders. In other words, everything to create a perfect yet done before set up. Still, who doesn’t like a revenge, obsession movie?

For once, even the synopsis, does little to give away the clues many other films throw out so readily. This is how it should be done.

Perfection Trailer

Be Kind and Rewind

When the story begins to fall into place, in a well-worn niche of jealousy and obsession, the filmmakers found it necessary, to include a rewind. For me, this was an unnecessary accessory and only served to break the hard-won tension it had fought so well to achieve. More importantly, the rewind confirmed all assumptions. It was as though it needed to ensure any guesswork was unneeded.

This same rewind tool was utilized in some of the final scenes to further quash any thoughts about external influences. For some reason, we needed to be assured exactly which force should be feared in both examples. Overall, I didn’t find it too heavy-handed even though it could have been left out.

At halftime, there is a turning point. The story climaxes where I would have predicted the film to end, except not only is the narrative not over, but it takes on new momentum. The film gives no clue as to where it might lead and I loved that I could imagine where this everything so far might swing to.

This is a film you can’t take your eyes off. Can’t-miss-a-second-of… there are no lulls or extended moments that drag you out of its orchestra and constant quickening pace.

Who’s more crazy now? It is the only question you’ll ask about The Perfection’s final scenes.

I give The Perfection

4 put that cleaver down out of 5

Read below for the spoiler section and my biggest gripe with this film.

Netflix Horror Movies, The Perfection Spoiler, and THAT Ending Explained

Generally, my initial excitement for The Perfection was only stifled by one element. The inclusion of rape, which although not portrayed gratuitously, was not the best choice of subtext.

Anton is seen to say that his newest prodigy would not be punished “because she needs her tattoo,” indicating that he is not a child rapist, and instead just a rapey rapist. There is enough shock value within its other twists and turns that this plot point was not a smooth transition into the rest of the film.

Anton

Firstly, the way this rape punishment is carried out creates a small plot hole. With the addition of Anton’s helpers, it may as well have been any form of torture. Had it been any other form of torture, I would have been disappointed, so the fact it was torture at all is a bit of a cop-out.

Secondly, I would have been just as happy had the foray led to some other hidden secret of Anton and his grandfather’s school for the gifted.

Moreover, even without the rape, Lizzie’s expulsion from the only home she’s ever known and the destruction of her career by Anton was enough to push the agenda of the two girls to the same point. Anton is shown to be dismissive of both girls as soon as the new students arrive on the scene. He revels in their ability to please the crowd but only because it makes him look good.

Paloma & The Perfection Ending

Paloma compounded Lizzie’s rejection with careless remarks. Even justifying Anton’s decision to treat her immediately as no longer required. Not only was she yesterday’s news, but Lizzie couldn’t even recover inside the walls of Bachoff, she wasn’t even worthy of scrubbing their toilets.

“The school is not a convalescent home.”

With a little more thought, the story could have played out with more class.

And another thing, the last scene with the two girls playing the cello to an amputated and blinded Anton was still the perfect ending. I loved that they were able to find their own perfection, each with complimenting injuries. Together they were still musicians and able to carry on doing what they loved.

Mission

Detour

Home

Duet