1 of 2 | Vincent (Karim Leklou) runs for his life in “Vincent Must Die.” Photo courtesy of XYZ Films
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 8 (UPI) — The French film Vincent Must Die, screened at Beyond Fest in Los Angeles, evokes both intrigue and frustration due to its high-concept premise and its inconsistent execution.
Vincent (Karim Leklou), a graphic designer, experiences a series of inexplicable attacks by his colleagues whenever he makes eye contact. Seeking refuge, Vincent isolates himself in his father’s house to protect himself from potential assailants.
While living in solitude, Vincent encounters Margeaux (Vimala Pons), a waitress whom he starts to develop a connection with. However, despite finding solace in their relationship, Vincent fails to consider simple solutions to prevent eye contact-triggered assaults, such as blindfolding Margeaux.
The film also plays fast and loose with its own rules regarding eye contact, creating inconsistencies that undermine the viewer’s investment in Vincent’s struggle. This ambiguity raises questions about the immunity of Vincent’s father and the role of family connections in the attacks.
As a unique twist on the zombie genre, Vincent Must Die presents a personal and relentless type of zombie that targets a single individual. The story can also be interpreted as a parable on the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the theme of isolation as the safest option in a world filled with potential dangers.
Vincent eventually encounters another person who introduces him to a community of Sentinels, individuals who also face targeted attacks. This community provides support through a website and message board, mirroring the experience of COVID-19 survivors sharing tips and advice.
Despite a few well-executed scenes involving crowds, Vincent Must Die suffers from its failure to adhere to its own rules consistently. By raising thought-provoking questions towards the end, the film attempts to explore the morality of being an attacker versus being a victim, but its lack of consistency throughout weakens the impact of these inquiries.
The U.S. release of Vincent Must Die will be handled by XYZ Films.
Fred Topel, a UPI entertainment writer based in Los Angeles, holds a professional film critic role since 1999 and is a member of reputable critics associations. Read more of his work in Entertainment.
