Written and directed by Kevin Kolsch and Dennis Widmyer (Identical Dead Sisters), Starry Eyes (USA - 2014) drags the world of casting into a devilish horror context that embraces demonic possession to the point of morphing into inviting body horror. The result is a successful and stunning horror film featuring special twists and turns and the undisputed prowess of Alex Essoe. The actress plays Sarah Walker, a girl obsessed with becoming an actress and who embodies the naivety and fragility of human beings but at the same time also determination and strength.
Trichotillomania, the obsessive-compulsive type of behavior disorder characterized by an irrepressible urge to pull and tear her hair, labels her early on as a weak person who resorts to the pathological act as a response to a state of emotional tension. This disorder will manifest itself whenever she feels under stress but will attract the attention of Astraeus Pictures, a renowned and mysterious agency that contacts her to cast her in the lead role in a film.
Sarah seizes the opportunity to quit her waitressing job for which she feels wasted and agrees to be part of the coveted and mysterious project, confident of achieving success. Soon after, however, the girl undergoes pisco-physical changes that will turn her life upside down.
A subject like Sarah, alone and vulnerable, becomes the target of evil forces who will seduce her by promising her fame. In this, Starry Eyes is reminiscent of films such as Rosemary's Baby, The Devil's Advocate and Angel Heart - Elevator to Hell, titles in which characters allow themselves to be subjugated by the evil one in exchange for popularity. In Starry Eyes However, it goes further, to the metamorphosis and putrefaction of the body. Topic this, which, together with that omnipresent oppressive sense of loneliness and homicidal instinct, makes one think instead of body horror Thanatomorphose.
In fact, the manufacturer is nothing more than a demonic cult that elevates its victims above death and pain and then gives them a new life but above all beauty, fame and power. Conscious or unconscious of this, the protagonist indulges in the physical changes while watching, helpless and terrified, her slow and painful evolution.
Kevin Kolsch and Dennis Widmyer's film foregrounds cinema with its risks and dangers, which here are identified with evil. In Starry Eyes in fact, fame can only be achieved as a result of a diabolical pact that will lead the subject to rebirth.
The slow and gradual pace of Starry Eyes becomes almost distressing, and the disturbing atmosphere, accentuated by sweeping music (by Jonathan Snipes), is amplified by Sarah's psychophysical change. Indeed, it ranges from self-harm to decomposition, from hallucinations to violence. The initial slowness thus trespasses into a tension-filled finale dominated by horrors and death before which it is difficult to remain impassive.
The cast includes Alex Essoe, Amanda Fuller, Noah Segan, Pat Healy, Fabianne Therese, Nick Simmons, Natalie Castillo, Shane Coffey, Danny Minnick, and Denis Bolotski.
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Starry Eyes (USA - 2014) is available on DVD and Blu-ray limited edition with booklet from July 12, 2018 thanks to Midnight Factory. The highly curated Blu-ray edition, with hardback slipcase and interior artwork, contains 1 disc and the booklet in which the review, info about the actress and trivia about the film are featured.
The special contents collect the photo gallery, deleted scenes, Alex Essoe's audition, and the trailer.
Blu-ray technical data:
Duration: 96'
Format: 2.35:1 1080p
Audio: Italian 5.1 DTS-HD MA, English 5.1 DTS-HD MA
Subtitles: Italian
From music to film 02:29/02:23, Trailer 01:58/01:54
Disc/Area: BD50
Area/Region: B
