In the realm of psychological thrillers, few films manage to capture the intricate dance between fascination and horror as effectively as “Red Rooms.” Directed by Quebecois filmmaker Pascal Plante, known for “Fake Tattoos” and “Nadia, Butterfly,” this indie gem takes viewers on a chilling journey into the depths of human obsession. Premiering at the 2023 Karlovy Vary Film Festival and featured at the Fantasia, Calgary, and Vancouver Film Festivals, “Red Rooms” has garnered significant acclaim and is set to open in select US theaters starting September 6th, 2024.
“Red Rooms,” originally titled “Les Chambres Rouges,” follows Kelly-Anne, portrayed by the captivating Juliette Gariépy. Kelly-Anne is a young woman who wakes up every morning to secure a seat at the high-profile trial of Ludovic Chevalier, a man accused of the brutal murders of three teenage girls. The crime scenes, filmed and sold on the dark web, have drawn morbid curiosity from the public, particularly Kelly-Anne, whose life begins to revolve around the courtroom proceedings.
As Kelly-Anne's fixation grows, she bonds with another trial attendee, finding a fleeting connection in their shared voyeurism. However, this connection only momentarily alleviates her loneliness. The emotional toll of the trial on the victims' families and Kelly-Anne's own life becomes increasingly apparent. Plante masterfully portrays Kelly-Anne's struggle to maintain her psychological balance, pushing her obsession to new extremes as the trial unfolds and the final piece of evidence comes within reach.
Featuring standout performances from Quebec actors Juliette Gariépy and Laurie Babin, alongside Maxwell McCabe-Lokos, “Red Rooms” delves into the disturbing allure of true crime and the psychological impact of such fascinations. The film's inspiration stems from the controversial urban legend of “red rooms,” violent dark web spaces that have fascinated and horrified the public.
Produced by Dominique Dussault and executive produced by Tim Ringuette, “Red Rooms” promises to be a haunting addition to the true crime genre. With its release this fall, horror enthusiasts and fans of psychological thrillers should mark their calendars for September 6th, 2024, to experience this chilling cinematic exploration of obsession and the human psyche.
So, who's ready to witness the dark allure of “Red Rooms”? This film is sure to leave a lasting impression, blurring the lines between reality and the macabre world of internet horror.
