The following is an edition of Panther Picture Spotlight, The Mirror’s movie column. All views, thoughts and opinions belong solely to the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Drury Mirror. 

Before the actual review, I feel it is only fair to admit upfront that while I have seen many clips of the original “Suspiria” (1977), I have not seen it in its entirety. Each time I bring it up in this review, it is based purely on reputation. This review is also, of course, written from the perspective of someone who has not seen the original, so my thoughts and opinions are based solely on the content of this year’s version.

Between “Annihilation,” “Hereditary” and “Sorry to Bother You,” there have been some weird stories produced in film this year. “Suspiria” is one more to add to the list.

“Suspiria” is the latest from Luca Guadagnino, an Italian film director most well-known  in America for last year’s “Call Me By Your Name.” His sensibilities are nothing like much of anything in mainstream American cinema.

This fact perhaps makes Guadagnimo the ideal choice for a “Suspiria” remake. While not having as wide an audience as “Nightmare on Elm Street” or “Halloween,” Dario Argento’s 1977 original has a sizable cult following. Particularly among film snobs, – or, rather, “cinephiles” – it is hailed as a masterpiece of artful Italian horror.

So when it was announced that there was a remake in the works, most people responded with a resounding, “Huh?  What even is that?” But those who knew of the original were none too happy with a remake.

Many tunes changed, though, when the director was announced. After wowing most who saw “Call Me By Your Name,” it was clear Guadagnino has a clear artistry when it comes to movie-making. People were interested in seeing what he made of the cult classic.

On the whole, he did some incredible work. He created a tone for the piece that makes the audience uneasy and keeps them uncomfortable the whole way through.

There are some problems, for sure. The film is a bit overlong. This slow build makes for an incredibly satisfying climax, as everything pent up throughout the previous two hours is let loose in one glorious sequence. But still, there is quite a bit of plot that does not really have a narrative purpose. This is different than saying it has no purpose, but there are certain elements that have a lot of time to develop that end too abruptly for their own good.

Still though, even if you are not on board with the plot, it is hard not to be on board with the direction. If “Call Me By Your Name” is a sensual, dream-like film, “Suspiria” is its wet nightmarish counterpart. There are sequences that will leave your jaw on the floor and your stomach queasy. “Suspiria” is NOT for the faint of heart.

And it is certainly not for everyone. The original is not as well-known as Craven or Carpenter’s films because it is not a crowd-pleaser like they are. It is a much more atmospheric horror as opposed to an eventful one. The same can be said for the remake; so if you are into slow, artsy horror that may not leave you entirely satisfied as a viewer, “Suspiria” might be just for you. But if you want something more casual or digestible – and there is nothing wrong with that – Guadagnino’s film will likely leave you bored and mad at whoever forced you to watch it.

Written by Jacob Maher.