The Furies (2019) – Movie Review
The Furies (2019), directed by Tony D’Aquino, is a brutal and unflinching Australian horror film that combines slasher terror with a twisted survival game premise. With a relentless pace, a chilling atmosphere, and some truly gruesome practical effects, it’s a movie that doesn’t hold back, delivering an intense experience for fans of raw, violent horror.
The story follows Kayla (Airlie Dodds), a young woman who wakes up disoriented inside a large black box in the middle of a remote forest. She quickly realizes she’s not alone—other women have also been dropped into this nightmarish setting, and they are being hunted by disfigured masked killers. As the horrifying reality unfolds, Kayla must rely on her instincts, courage, and quick thinking to survive in a deadly game where betrayal and brutality lurk around every corner.
At its core, The Furies plays with the concept of human prey, much like classics such as Battle Royale or The Hunger Games, but with a far more savage and bloody execution. The film cleverly balances its gory action with moments of suspense and emotional tension, ensuring that it’s not just a mindless bloodbath but a harrowing story of resilience and fear.
Airlie Dodds delivers a strong and compelling performance as Kayla. She portrays vulnerability without ever seeming weak and evolves into a fierce fighter as the stakes escalate. Dodds anchors the film with a believable mix of terror, intelligence, and determination, making Kayla a protagonist audiences can truly root for. The supporting cast does well, but the focus remains tightly on Kayla’s desperate fight for survival.
Visually, The Furies is grim and atmospheric. The forest setting is captured with eerie stillness, contrasting the serenity of nature with the brutality of the unfolding violence. The use of practical effects for the gore is particularly impressive—wounds, mutilations, and attacks are rendered in stomach-churning detail without relying heavily on CGI. This commitment to old-school effects enhances the visceral impact of every encounter.
One of the more intriguing elements of The Furies is the underlying mystery behind the hunters and the game itself. While the film does hint at a larger, sinister organization orchestrating the events, it wisely leaves many details ambiguous, focusing instead on the immediate survival horror. Some viewers might crave more backstory or explanation, but the decision to keep things vague adds to the film’s oppressive and bewildering atmosphere.
The pacing is relentless once the action kicks off. There are very few lulls, and the film wastes no time diving into its brutal set pieces. However, this intensity can sometimes come at the expense of deeper character development for some of the secondary characters, who feel more like plot devices than fully fleshed-out individuals.
Overall, The Furies succeeds as a vicious and efficient horror thriller. It’s bloody, fast-paced, and filled with tension, offering a brutal survival experience that horror fans who appreciate practical effects and strong final girl performances will likely enjoy. It’s a gruesome ride from start to finish, not for the faint of heart.
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