Where to watch Faces in the Crowd
3 Stars
Writer and director Julien Magnat uses the ever changing faces in Anna’s world as a perfect way to build suspense and panic. They are also used to create isolation and confusion, especially in intimate moments. Jovovich does a great job here, she plays lost well, and we easily go along when she knuckles down to tackle the task of surviving in a faceless existence. Julian McMahon (Dr. Doom from Fantastic Four, Nip/Tuck) does a fine job as Detective Kerrest. The worst thing in here is the sex scene between the two which comes off as awkward.
To be honest about the rest of the cast, it’s hard to keep track of everybody since they use different actors for the changing faces, for instance Anna’s boyfriend Bryce is technically played by at least twelve actors. This is all used to create twists and turns which make it difficult to pin the murderer, but not impossible. While you may think you know who the killer is, the film smartly plays on the ability that identities are shifting, so in the back of your mind you’re constantly wondering if you could be wrong. The final showdown is a tad weak, but completely in line with the genre. It’s the final shot with the voice over that feels tacked on and out of place; a last ploy at a happy ending to a movie that always found happiness ending in disaster.
The cinematography is on par with the best of television, and no wonder since DP Rene Ohashi has worked on such high brow shows as Kidnapped, Eleventh Hour and Nikita. Dark and shadowy lit scenes help take the narrative to the next level. While suspenseful, this thriller is far from a horror film, the murders are fairly tame when contrasted with current mainstream trends. This is made TV safe, but still requires a level of maturity to fully understand and enjoy. Check it out if you like dark mysteries or whodunits.
Director: Julien Magnat
Stars: Milla Jovovich, Julian McMahon