Sublime DVD Review

Raw Feed is a new horror production company making low budget films released on Warner Home Video which began with a bang only a few months ago, making their first project a brutally violent horror film with a sub-par script. Rest Stop was more focused on the gory and the imminent danger of a brutal killer at a highway rest stop, which is why Sublime is such a unique choice for a second film. Sublime is a slow burning horror film, somewhat like some of David Cronenberg’s earlier films. There is just as much danger in Sublime as there was for our hero in Rest Stop, but the danger is not as clear. It remains beneath the surface, making Sublime an even more grueling experience. The unsettling feeling of uncertainty is a far more effective, although often equally difficult to get right, technique for a horror film. Luckily much more attention is given to dialogue and story for the company’s sophomore film, and as draining as watching the film may be, it is just proof of the suspenseful effectiveness.

Sublime slowly unravels until it is unbearably painful and all the audience can hope for is release. Family man George Grieves, played by Tom Cavanagh from TV’s ED, thinks he is checking into Mt. Abbadon Hospital for a routine colonoscopy, but he awakes to find that there has been a mistake. George begins to question what is really going on, because there are strange inconsistencies in his memory and the hospital seems to be hurting him more than helping him. Delving into the deepest fears we have about hospitals, both as the reality and a fantastic exaggeration of the same, allowing for a few gruesome scenes of terror.

The torturous pace at which the story unfolds makes the film even more painfully suspenseful. It makes for a draining viewing experience, like the suspense films used to be able to do. Perhaps the real trick is the disorientation the audience is sent into watching a good suspense film.

The DVD has a commentary with director Tony Krantz and writer Erik Jendresen, who also have interview in the special features as well. There is also the video from Dr. Falk’s webcast, one of the weaker points in the film.