Review: ‘Spiral’ on DVD

Spiral (2007) is one of those films that is different from what you expect. Its one of those little independent films that catches you by surprise with its creative approach to a standard genre. The structure itself is not unlike so many other horror-thrillers, but what Spiral does is to make the troubled, mentally-unstable central character more human in ways than the people around him.

Dually directed by Adam Green (Hatchet, Coffee & Donuts) and Joel Moore, this movie captures a unique kind of oblivious sociopath, looking for someone who he can feel normal with. From the first time Mason, played by Joel Moore (Hatchet, Art School Confidential), meets this new girl at the office he finds himself reacting differently from how he was with the other girls. Amber Tamblyn (The Ring, The Grudge 2) plays the girl whom Mason comes to believe is his “real thing.”

From the start, the film has an eerie yet not entirely serious atmosphere that preys on the viewers sense of security as we actually grow to feel pity for Mason. He is a shy painter who has a strong passion for jazz music, is short on words and suffers from asthma. Much like his friend and boss, played by Zachary Levi (Big Momma’s House 2), we find ourselves questioning what is reality and what is merely in Mason’s twisted mind.

What the film-makers have done here is to introduce a new layer to the killer’s psyche, choosing to develop this story primarily as an odd tale of urban love and friendship between two twenty-somethings. Mason is unable to solicit help from his friend, so he continues on the same path until he meets Amber, a peculiar twist of fate that nearly pulls him out of his downward spiral. The majority of the film is scored with some great jazz tracks and helps set the unconventional mood for this dark, but strangely touching thriller.

[rating:3.5/5]

DVD Features:

• Audio Commentary
• Spinning Spiral: The Making of Spiral
• Cinefile Promos #1, #2, #3
• Trailer