THE VIGIL is a horror film in a Jewish Hasidic setting. The
"vigil" of the title is not the sitting shiva after a Jewish
funeral, but sitting with the body before the funeral, as tradition
demands the body never be left alone. THE VIGIL seems to crank up
the supernatural aspect of the "shomer", tying it specifically to
protecting the body from demons.

There are some interesting touches. For example, the main
character is attending an ex-Hasidic support group, and there are
many Jewish references in the set design, which is rich rather than
spare.

The film's style seems inspired by Darren Aronofsky and (less
likely) Guy Maddin. But the story is still basically a ghost
story, and while it is atmospheric and effective, it does not go
much further than other horror films.

One problem is that the subtitles for the Yiddish dialogue are in
fairly small print. Another is the loud and strident score and
sound design.

Released 02/26/21. Rating: low 0 (-4 to +4)

Film Credits:
<https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10793644/reference>

What others are saying:
<https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_vigil_2019>

--
Mark R. Leeper and Evelyn C. leeper

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