In recent years, the horror genre has experienced a renaissance, telling unique stories that redefine the boundaries of the genre. But the most stylish of them all is the indie horror production ‘Gestella’. Written and directed by female filmmaker Nia Rhys, the film follows the story of a young woman who leads a double life as a werewolf.
The protagonist of ‘Gestella’ is Estella, a young woman who struggles to find her identity between innocence and savagery. While out with her friends one night, she in bitten by a mysterious creature. Little Does Estella realize that this brief encounter results in a life-changing transformation. As she learns to live with her newfound powers, she must also grapple with the deeply rooted understanding of femininity that she was raised with.
‘Gestella’ is a bleak journey into the complexities of female identity. Throughout the film, Estella is seen battling with her newfound wolf nature, while also trying to hold onto the ideals of femininity that she was raised with. It’s a heart wrenching story of a woman forced to come to terms with the paradox of womanhood. The wolf is a symbol for the inner strength and ferocity that women possess, while the underlying human elements echo the vulnerability that many women often face in a society that is constantly trying to define them.
The movie is shot in a dreamy and surreal aesthetic, relying heavily on symbolism to explore Estella’s reality. It’s a dark and powerful portrait of a young woman struggling to reconcile her two identities. With stunning cinematography, compelling performances by its lead cast, and a tight, atmospheric script, ‘Gestella’ is one of the best modern horror films dealing with the same central theme – a werewolf story with a feminist core. In short, it’s a must watch for any horror fan looking for a unique and heartbreaking tale.
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