FANTASIA23 REVIEW: Emptiness [20XX]

Rating: R | Runtime: 136 minutes
Studio: K Films Amerique
Director(s): Onur Karaman
Writer(s): Onur Karaman

Something’s not right.

If you’re going to hinge your film on a “surprise” reveal that renders the whole moot either by an unreliable narrative or “dream” conceit, you need to make sure that the fiction you’re presenting to the audience is also compelling enough on its own to sustain their attention. That’s sadly not the case with Onur Karaman’s Emptiness. Maybe it’s the fact we know something bigger is happening from the first scene or maybe it’s the circuitous nature of the whole, but I checked-out before I even had the chance to check-in.

The main reason is that the disappearance of Suzanne’s (Stephanie Breton) husband Normand seems to be the central mystery despite never being expounded upon until the eleventh hour. Besides her laments and the response of mounting hostility and calm indifference from her caretakers Nicole (Anana Rydvald) and Linda (Julie Trépanier) respectively, the subject proves little more than a distraction from the fact nothing is happening. It’s just Suzanne sneaking out to the barn to see a “woman in white”. Nicole screaming at her for leaving. And Linda sowing seeds of distrust in Nicole’s direction. Rinse, repeat.

Some of the imagery is legitimately captivating and some of the horror elements build a modicum of suspense, but nothing ever comes from it. And, as a result, it’s impossible not to take notice of the “hidden” details. The fact Nicole never acknowledges Linda’s presence or that Nicole never lets Suzanne answer the phone. The entire film becomes a waiting game, testing our patience to see if we can endure the monotony long enough to receive an answer. Unfortunately, I’m not sure that answer is worth the effort for those who do.

Because while the truth of what’s happening makes sense, it doesn’t have purpose beyond its “a-ha” moment. There’s no insight or additional drama. All that remains when it arrives are the credits. Karaman has therefore only provided a hollow metaphor, stylistically building an interpretation of what it’s like to be trapped inside one’s head as a result of illness. Emptiness is an experiential approximation of the isolation, confusion, and fear (real and perceived) felt by those unfortunate souls who must contend with a debilitating disease. It’s a ride through the unknown. A detached and disposable journey devoid of substance.