Vivarium

A spoiler light review of Vivarium should begin with tone, because Lorcan Finnegan understands exactly how this horror film ought to feel. Vivarium gains early credibility from Imogen Poots, whose presence is balanced by the different rhythm of Danielle Ryan. The foundation of Vivarium can be stated simply: A young couple looking for the perfect home find themselves trapped in a mysterious labyrinth like neighborhood of identical houses. Within its 1h 37m running time, Vivarium reveals both the benefits and the limits of that disciplined approach.

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Lorcan Finnegan gives Vivarium a directorial line that is engaging in bursts but unable to maintain the same control from its opening promise to its final movement. The staging of Vivarium is strongest when Lorcan Finnegan allows motivation to determine pace instead of reversing that priority. Viewed as a complete piece, Vivarium confirms that worthwhile ideas compete with an uneven structure across most of the running time. A tighter version of Vivarium would address how the pace alternates between hurry and drift, yet the surrounding work remains persuasive.

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The plot of Vivarium is built around the uneasy relationship between the central character and an important relationship. For Imogen Poots, that relationship gives Vivarium an emotional objective stronger than simple forward motion. The screenplay associated with Garret Shanley lets a difficult choice reshape the direction of Vivarium in stages. Although the treatment of the wider conflict could be sharper, Vivarium never entirely loses the thread established at the beginning.

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The craft of Vivarium is defined by carefully rationed sound, supported by carefully rationed sound rather than overwhelmed by decoration. Fantastic Films gives Vivarium a production framework in which uneasy framing can remain connected to story. Made from a Ireland production context, Vivarium uses setting and design to clarify mood before dialogue has to explain it. The technical finish of Vivarium works because image, sound and editing appear to be serving the same immediate purpose.

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Vivarium finds additional purpose in its examination of fear, isolation and the moment familiar spaces stop feeling safe. Through the performance of Imogen Poots, Vivarium makes that examination feel personal before it becomes broadly symbolic. The idea of the central character repeatedly returns Vivarium to the cost behind its more visible developments. Lorcan Finnegan is most persuasive when Vivarium allows the theme to emerge from an uncomfortable choice rather than polished dialogue.

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What keeps Vivarium emotionally readable is Imogen Poots, whose choices establish a consistent point of view. In scenes with Danielle Ryan, Vivarium gains tension from two performers refusing to produce the same kind of energy. Molly McCann contributes a separate rhythm to Vivarium and helps the supporting material feel less purely functional. The direction by Lorcan Finnegan gives the cast of Vivarium room to connect the quieter beats with the larger ones.

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Vivarium ends as a qualified recommendation, especially for horror viewers who prefer atmosphere to constant shocks. What remains from Vivarium is the relationship between Imogen Poots, carefully rationed sound and Lorcan Finnegan's control of mood. The weakness that the pace alternates between hurry and drift narrows the impact of Vivarium without cancelling its better work. On balance, Vivarium gives its intended viewers a distinctive experience rather than a completely anonymous piece of content.