A twisted and fascinating tale, with a climax that's as logical as it is unexpected

Full Review | May 22, 2004

[Actor Ernesto] Mahieux adds layers of gentleness and false bravado in what could have been a stereotypical role.

| Original Score: 2.75/5 | Apr 19, 2004

Despite its virtues, the picture comes across rather like something that has itself been disinterred from the fairly remote past.

| Original Score: C+ | Dec 29, 2003

The Embalmer is a movie that will keep fresh on your mind for a few days but probably won't be preserved in your memory for all time.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Dec 12, 2003

In spite of some stiltedness, The Embalmer is an oft-intriguing examination of unquenched desire and the power of beauty.

| Original Score: B- | Dec 11, 2003

Masterful at concealing its true nature and surprising us with the turns of the story.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Nov 14, 2003

...does just about everything in its power to turn you off. And guess what? It works.

| Original Score: 1.5/4 | Nov 14, 2003

The movie, a keen look at the way passion unravels and obsession destroys, creates a black mood, a sense of truth and an enduring chill that stay with you.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Nov 13, 2003

With fewer sensational confrontations, The Embalmer is a major work. As it stands, it signals the emergence of an exceptional filmmaker.

| Nov 5, 2003

If you find that you're part of this newly identified demographic with an affinity for gay little folk, disemboweled animals, sexy babes, and creepy voyeurs, consider your movie prayers answered.

Full Review | Oct 8, 2003

Seductive, suspenseful psychological drama.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Oct 2, 2003

Engrossing.

| Oct 2, 2003

This story is far too transparent to hold our attention for long.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Sep 29, 2003

Mahieux ... builds a character so relentlessly powerful and creepy that The Embalmer leaves an aftertaste -- we can practically smell him.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Sep 26, 2003

Once Peppino is identified as a sexual predator, the movie loses whatever compassion it had for him, seeming to imply that his obsession and his sexual identity are the same thing.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Sep 25, 2003

Here's a movie that could keep David Lynch tossing at night.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Sep 25, 2003

Brilliantly creates an atmosphere of malignant malaise and foreboding.

| Jul 25, 2003

Finds a disconcerting niche between edgy character thriller and black comedy.

Full Review | Jul 22, 2003

A bummer, but one that manages to stick to its depraved convictions until the strange and bitter end.

Full Review | Jul 22, 2003

An effectively macabre and fiendishly entertaining tale of lust, unrequited love and the fine art of taxidermy.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Jul 22, 2003