A Wounded Fawn

The title itself suggests that like The Killing of a Sacred Deer there’s going to something of the ancient myths about A Wounded Fawn.

An ancient statue of The Erinyes (the mythical Furies of Greek legend) attracts strong bidding at an auction that eventually ends up in the hands of an intermediary who is later slaughtered, the statue added to the killer’s collection.

It’s a solid opening, and scene setter that then settles down to Meredith (Sarah Lind) who after an abusive relationship is starting to out again and has accepted an invitation from Bruce (Josh Ruben) to his home in the country.

A charming man (who has his demons to say the least), Meredith is interested in an art piece of The Erinyes that she is familiar with. It looks authentic though he insists it’s a copy. This sets off a few doubts that with other actions means she begins to tire as well as be wary of him though she has got herself into a predicament.

The latest from Travis Stevens takes while to set itself up and while good to look at there’s little in the way of tension in the first two thirds of the film. That’s compensated by Lind and Ruben who are very good as Meredith tries to keep herself straight as Bruce plays the psychological games with her and feed his own delusions.

It’s later on as the viewer is led towards the myth and fury that the film comes into its own. These closing scenes are really something with fabulous use of costume, light and ritual. It’s a fine-looking film with something of an art installation feel about it; an artificiality that sits well with many of the themes.

A Wounded Fawn - Coming to Shudder later this year