February - A Slow, Cold Burn

February is the directorial debut of Osgood Perkins, who wanted to invoke some of the 70's horror films in terms of pacing and vibe.  Set during the end February at an all girls boarding school, Kat and Rose are left at the school since their parents are late picking them up for break.  Rose told her parents pick up was a different day so she could try to deal with a personal issue, but the headmaster and two of the faculty are trying to keep Kat's spirits up saying that maybe her parents were delayed.  During the night, not all is as it seems.  Outside of the boarding school, Joan is on the run and is aided by Bill and Linda on a journey of their own.  Everyone's stories revolve around the school.

This is very slow burn, and may not succeed in keeping your attention before things pick up.  It's not perfect, which the director agreed with, but for his first time, it does show a little promise.  There is a decent story here, but it is kind of clunky getting there.

Performances are ok.  Lucy Boynton is solid as Rose playing the older classmate trying not to care...but is a little worried about her issue.  Emma Roberts as Joan is subdued most of the film...not physically, but is just kind of there until her part get relevant...though even then we've seen more of her in American Horror Story and the Scream Queens premiere.  And finally Kiernan Shipka as Kat is the quiet freshman with maybe something to hide and a little creepy.  The rest of the cast are just there as support...except maybe James Remar as Bill, whose intentions are a little vague for awhile.

As I started to piece everything together, there was a moment I was hoping the film would take on path, which would have been a little refreshing than the path is ended up taking.  I don't want to spoil things, but I was hoping [redacted] would have [redacted].

Overall, like the performances, the film is just ok.  I wouldn't recommend spending money to see this in the theatres, but could be a good Netflix watch, especially if Perkins improves on his filmmaking.  I'd give this a 5 out of 10.