FRENZY (Abluka) (2015) - ♦♦♦♦

Directed by - Emin Alper

Written by - Emin Alper

Starring - Mehmet Ozgur, Berkay Ates

"Two estranged brothers are re-united after the eldest is released after spending many years in jail on condition that he become an informant for the police gathering terrorist information. 

The film takes place in a small town where hostility and distrust reign supreme, and these two themes are driving forces behind EMIN ALPER's film. He mixes the parallel storylines of the two brothers in a clever way - instead of simply juxtaposing them in chronological order, he shows events experienced by one and then the other in a set timeline. 

FRENZY can be described as a thriller drama. Its desolate and nameless setting flirts with the concept of post apocalyptic films. Likewise, there are times when the director blends a fine line between realism and absurdity, but neither to an overtaking excess and by maintaining a certain balance. Much can be said about the way in which the film takes place in Turkey but is not restricted to its geographical setting by any means. The way in which the film is shot also opposes the conventional representation of Turkey in cinema, and even resembles more closely the cold darkness of Scandinavian thrillers, a look that bears the name of its cinematographer ADAM JANDRUP.

MEHMET OZGUR is great in the role of the man re-connecting with the outside world, which seems strangely opposed to his old fashioned way of thinking. There is an immediacy in the contrast created by his imposing presence and constant shows of awkwardness that enriches his story and character evolution in particular."

Thriller, France/Qatar/Turkey