There is never a dull moment in this high-concept movie that keeps you hooked from the get-go. Vincent Must Die is a wild ride offering fresh takes on the genres screenwriter Mathieu Naert is toying with. The writing is good, as every storyline could have been a compelling movie in its own right. As mentioned, this is a quirky romantic comedy with dark, deadpan humor. It also has elements of a workplace absurdist dramedy and a psychological, social satire with a timely premise and horror/mystery elements akin to Parasite or Get Out. It is also a survivalist story, an investigative thriller, and a “madness & mayhem” action film with realistic yet thrilling fight scenes. The best of them is a great parking lot scene that could belong in The Last of Us or Train To Busan.
Likewise, the narrative has strong pandemic vibes, and seeing the film after the last few years makes it more impactful and possibly why it seems grounded and informed by reality. In addition, with the increasing desensitization to violence, crime rates, civil unrest, war, and widening wealth inequality (rightfully) igniting outrage everywhere, the film reflects how people are more on edge. When did it become normal to look over one’s shoulder in the street or to look downward to avoid potential confrontations? To find ways to hide oneself out in public is a regular thing some folks must do, lest they defend themselves be wrongfully shunned. This is nothing new for many women and members of marginalized or minority communities in certain cities, states, and countries.
“…every creative and technical component working nicely.”
And so, one couldn’t help but wonder if it was intentional that Vincent could be seen as a privileged dude. In fact, it is almost refreshing to see the shift in perspective and how novel these notions were for him, though obviously pushed to the extreme. It is probably why, at first, Vincent’s paranoia and the conspiracy-obsessed men online were quite funny to witness. However, the filmmakers decided to stay away from politics or making grand statements, which might have been for the better, as it could easily appeal to many as simply the story of a man looking for human connections in a chaotic world.
Vincent Must Die tells a great story, with every creative and technical component working nicely. Karim Leklou is perfectly cast. Even though one might wish certain elements were brought slightly up a notch at times once the climax comes, the film flows very smoothly despite packing a lot. And, like many films of this variety, many questions are left unanswered: why must Vincent and others die? Why don’t sunglasses exist in Vincent’s world? But these are the sort of things that might leave one wanting more.
Vincent Must Die screened at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival.
"…why don't sunglasses exist in Vincent's world?"
