Level 16 (2018) Movie Review
Director: Danishka Esterhazy
Genre: Sci-Fi/Horror
Streaming: Vudu or YTS.MX (Torrent)
The reason I re-watched this film is because of the “YASHODA” Telugu movie released Nov 11th worldwide. Yashoda heavily browed by Level 16. I watched Level 16 during Lockdown time.
Synopsis:
Sixteen-year-old Vivien is trapped in The Vestalis Academy, a prison-like boarding school. She keeps to herself and sticks her neck out for no one.
Until she has reunited with Sophia–the former friend who betrayed her. Together the girls embark on a dangerous search to uncover the horrifying truth behind their imprisonment. Soon running for their lives, the girls must save themselves or die trying.
Review:
This film is set inside a strange institution. It is populated by young girls who are schooled to be obedient and clean; but not how to read or write. They are there from babyhood to the age of sixteen; each year moving to the next level…
And Also they are promised that after Level 16 they will be adopted by caring, wealthy families. They have never seen the sun as they have been told the world outside is polluted. They are also heavily guarded and sleep in locked dormitories.
One day Vivian is warned by another girl, Sophia, not to take her daily vitamin pill; that night all the other girls quickly fall into a deep sleep…
Vivian is about to start learning the true nature of the ‘school’. The more that is learned the more disturbing it is for her. Knowing the truth is one thing; getting out will be another.
Also, Read Supernatural Series Review (Seasons 01-10): “If you have not watched yet, then add Supernatural to your watch list”
I enjoyed this film; it had me gripped from the opening moments to the final scene. It’s just one of those movies that keep you guessing.
They reveal just a little information at a time, and it makes you want to keep watching and find out what the hell is going on. I honestly loved this. It has a similar feel to it as Never Let Me Go, which was an absolute masterpiece.
It is safe to say most viewers will guess that the school isn’t quite what it seems but the truth isn’t too obvious. The location is great; just a few rooms and a linking corridor for the most part… this emphasizes the claustrophobic nature of the girls’ world.
Not seeing the outside keeps the viewer in the dark about many things; we don’t even know when it is set… the old films the girls watch and certain items make it look as if it could have been set anytime from over fifty years ago to sometime in the future.
Also, Read Detective Vs Sleuths (2022) Review: Flawed But Entertaining In Its Own Game
The cast is impressive; especially Katie Douglas who shines as Vivien. There are also notable performances from Sara Canning as Miss Brixil, the woman who appears to run the establishment.
Peter Outerbridge as Dr. Miro; and Celina Martin as Sophia. There isn’t too much in the way of violence and gore although there are one or two disturbing scenes.
Verdict:
Overall I’d certainly recommend this to fans of thoughtful films that don’t require expensive special effects or a big-name cast.
Now I can say, Yoshada is a Xerox copy of Level 16.
