The ABCs of Death
Director: Kaare Andrews, Angela Bettis, Hélène Cattet
Actors: Ingrid Bolsø Berdal, Iván González, Kyra Zagorsky
PlotThe film is an anthology of 26 short stories, each corresponding to a letter of the alphabet and a word related to death. Directors from around the world contribute their own unique segment, resulting in a wide array of styles and tones. Each segment begins with an onscreen letter and its associated word, often foreshadowing the dark twist or macabre outcome that follows. The stories range from horror and drama to absurd and comedic, involving various scenarios like unfortunate accidents, supernatural occurrences, and chilling encounters with deranged individuals. The diversity in storytelling provides a rich yet unsettling experience, with each mini-narrative exploring the theme of mortality in its own distinct way.
Throughout the film, viewers are taken through a rollercoaster of emotions, as the directors' differing approaches—from graphic and shocking to subtle and psychological—create a jarring blend of fear, curiosity, and suspense. The segments are fast-paced, ensuring that the audience remains engaged, even if they're taken aback by the frequent tonal shifts. Cumulatively, the anthology paints a multifaceted picture of death, examining human vulnerability, the inevitability of demise, and the unpredictable nature of life. Despite the brevity of each story, the film successfully delves into a multitude of death-related concepts, making for a truly unique and haunting cinematic experience.
Writers: Ant Timpson, Nacho Vigalondo, Adrian Garcia Bogliano
Release Date: 26 Apr 2013
Runtime: 129 min
Rating: Not Rated
Country: United States, New Zealand
Language: English, Spanish, Japanese, German, French, Korean
Home Video Reviews
Thrilling and inventive, 'The ABCs of Death' offers a chaotic, visually dazzling journey through taboo themes with a well-executed Blu-ray transfer and extensive extras.
Read our review of The ABCs of Death Blu-ray to find out more