Skunk (2023)

Skunk (2023). 1h 45m

“Saw the preview on Sunday afternoon during Youth Care Day in the Grote Post, as part of the Ostend Film Festival.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eAfterwards there was the opportunity to attend a panel discussion about the problems in the sector with, among others, director Koen Mortier and Geert Taghon, author of the book.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eIn the evening there was an acoustic concert by the Belgian metal band Amenra, which provided the soundtrack for the film.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eFrontman Colin Van Eeckhout also plays Liamu0026#39;s father in Skunk.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eMortier previously convinced with the wonderful Ex-Drummer and the equally great 22 Mei.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eHe goes all out again with Skunk. And how.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe film is harsh, raw and offers little to no room for hope.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe gloomy, melancholic atmosphere contributes to the controversial theme.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eSupported by smaller and larger roles, Thibaud Dooms carries the film as a tormented soul (that hopeless look!). Very impressive performance for a first major role.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eAmenrau0026#39;s largely instrumental ambient music was carefully chosen.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eAlthough the audiovisual highlight of the film only comes at the very end when Song to the Siren, a cover of This Mortal Coilu0026#39;s version (original song by Tim Buckley) is introduced.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eFor the second day in a row, Mortier, cast and crew received a more than deserved standing ovation from the audience during the closing credits.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eAn extra half point, partly thanks to the fantastic and correct ending.”