Thriller: A Cruel Picture

The fact that Quentin Tarantino cited the mute avenger Madeleine as the inspiration for Elle Driver in *Kill Bill* catapulted the Swedish sexploitation film *Thriller: A Cruel Picture* into the canon of rape-revenge cinema. Yet many elements make this fascinating film incomparably unflinching and compelling. The story centers on Madeleine, who was abused as a child and forced into sex work. Stylistically, the film strikes a balance between Argento and Bresson: almost devoid of dialogue, bursting with sniper-like zooms and hard cuts, and interspersed with detached hardcore pornographic inserts (a double entendre that fits perfectly). (Dana Linssen)

In the presence of Christina Lindberg (actor)

Strict age restriction applies to this screening (18+).