The Tenant

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Sarfaraz A Roman Polanski directed and co-wrote The Tenant (Le locataire). It is based on the same-named novel published in 1964. Other cast includes Isabelle Adjani and more. The film's opening amused me with Polanski's interactions as a meek person attempting to win the hearts of others by his smile, kindness, and polite conduct. Because the film's topic is paranoia, this individual descends into insanity, mimicking the last tenant, a young woman who committed suicide by jumping off the window. This movie is overly lengthy at 2 hours and 5 minutes, and it loses your interests after an hour. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 01/10/25 Full Review Lorenzo D Please watch it. It's a masterpiece Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/29/24 Full Review Blu B All Time Classic. There is effectively only one death and it's not even onscreen. This doesn't need gore, exploitation, jump scares, or shock value because it's such an original and twisted idea. The core idea is so relatable whether you live in an apartment, dorm, or even in a house on a street. You have to ask yourself how do you know the people who live around you? Most of the time you barely speak to them within a block or two radius. Let alone the entire neighborhood. It lets your imagination run wild as too what they could be like and this runs wild with it in the most original and twisted way possible. On top of that, this is brilliantly directed. Masterful editing, excellent cinematography, an a perfectly paced buildup. This starts fine enough and takes it's time not being so much a slow burn but building and getting really twisted and creepy with the ideas it's suggests. The music is really good though not used a lot. It's very effective when it is and this really isn't that dry ever. The acting is really good too with Polanski being the standout with a really strong supporting cast. He's kind of pedestrian at first but as it gets weird and twisted the more he shines. The twist is fantastic also and really is worth the payoff. Anyone who is a fan of Polanski, any actors in this, or horror films will like this a lot. One of the most unique horror films I've ever seen. It's Rosemary's Baby mixed with rear Window effectively. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/11/24 Full Review Alec B It is interesting that the movie is more well liked now than it was upon its original release. I think the reason is that it's arthouse and anxiety vibes horrors are more of our moment than they were in the 70s. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 09/27/24 Full Review Sams K A good one, I didn't appreciate it that much, but still a good one. Maybe I need a rematch. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 09/02/24 Full Review Wayne K The last film Roman Polanski made before becoming a societal pariah, The Tenant seems him making not just an onscreen appearance, but actually playing the lead role. This was an odd choice, and doesn't necessarily work to the films advantage. He does well as the meek and mild mannered individual at the beginning, but he doesn't have the acting range or the charisma to truly sell his descent into madness. He does, however, direct the film very well. There's lot of mirrors, reflections and close up shots that make us feel like we're being watched. It's a film about the effect that constant browbeating, harassment and bullying can have on a person, even one as outwardly kind as our protagonist. It creates a lingering sense of dread and paranoia, and you try your best to put the puzzle pieces in place before our lead completely loses his mind. It does take a long time to start paying off, and some scenes feel more redundant than creepy, but as a subtle horror film that slowly draws you in before hitting you square in the face, The Tenant makes for a suitably unnerving experience. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/18/24 Full Review Read all reviews

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