Review: The Dinner Party (2020)

My rating: 3

I have mixed feelings about this one. The plot and story developing is just a bit unbalanced. First half of the film is pretty much about nothing but talking and pointing at the eccentricity of the rich and awkwardness of the hopeful less rich couple. There are some good points of the dialogues and I really enjoyed storytelling part, as well as hinting at the past traumatic experiences of the character that will make you expect some good character development. The entire unveiling of past trauma is resulting from the storytelling itself, and yes, the traumatic past is the same story we have already seen many times, but unfortunately, similar stories happen in real life quite often. Thus I don´t really mind when film portrays a trauma as a basis for character development. The worse part about it was, that the lead character was not very well written and her performance did not seem authentic. I did not really believe a traumatised person would act like she did and her major acting point is apparently opening her eyes wide. Generally, I liked the cast though. For the most part they played their roles well. But the quite good acting won't save this film.

I did not really mind that the film was long, as the characters were interesting to watch. However, the second half of the film is where it gets bad. There were just too many ideas thrown into plot and none of them examined deeply enough to make you feel unsettling or scared. The entire story then reminds you of a try-hard copy of Ready or Note gone wrong as both film are examining idea of rich vs their pact with the evil vs outsiders, both are hinting at the importance of a game within their traditions. The Dinner Party, however, tries to be mysterious and dead serious, but the plot twists are way too predictable. Yes the second half of the film has some action going on, but you will more likely stay with this wtf feeling instead of enjoying what you are seeing as the final reveal or the final twists are not fitting into the mood. They had an idea on mind and very original one that is, which they, however, should have presented more throughout the entire film or hint at the reveal maybe more directly so it would actually make sense.

The masks could have been made the visual point of scenes within the second half of the film.

Furthermore, throughout the entire film, there are no really disturbing images, not much tension. If you are expecting good gore scenes, you will get disappointed because there are none. I expected a use of good masks as one of them was made a focal point in one of the scenes in the beginning, but we wont get that. Visually, there is just nothing really sticking out besides a quite nice and luxurious house. But we do not see much of the house either, mostly just the dining room.

Do not recommend.

Tension: 2 | Gore: 1 | Originality: 5