Level 16 (Blu-ray)

Whew!!! I wasn’t sure what to expect with this one going in, but after having managed to grind my way to the finish line, I’m glad I did. The basic premise of Level 16 is there is a school of young, cloistered women who have never been exposed to the outside world, and when some within begin to question their reality, things begin to unravel. I’ll say that for many reasons, this one was a tough sit. The process of indoctrination has always fascinated me, and without spoiling the film, suffice to say we get to see its powerful and dehumanizing effects at work, and it’s rough. That said, this film has so much to praise. Flawless performances from the young, committed leads, a gritty and excruciatingly intense and anxiety inducing overall atmosphere, with an isolated locale, a thrumming and ominous score and an irresistible central mystery that kept me in the edge of my seat. I can’t recommend this film enough, and surprisingly haven’t heard anyone talk about it before. Any fans?