The Viewing (2022)

I am terrible at catching up with television, but when I heard Panos Cosmatos was directing one of the episodes of Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities, I knew I needed to check it out. This is very much in line with Cosmatos’s other work like Mandy and Beyond the Black Rainbow, which are impeccable looking films that manage to maintain the feel and look of 70s/80s features. The films have incredible synth fueled soundtracks, and they always have engaging commentary even if you are only watching them for the chill vibes. The Viewing gives us a glimpse into the life of the uber-rich, those who are so rich that they can barely relate to the common person. Peter Weller plays Lionel Lassiter, a man who has invited a select few people to view an item in his collection. As he describes it, he “collects beyond the unknown” and dazzles the group with delicacies and delights they would never have experienced before. Cosmatos excels at crafting cult like leaders who entice those around them with sex, drugs, and outrageous philosophies. While the feature does not reveal the artifact the group is there to view until the last few minutes, Cosmatos keeps viewers engaged with vibes, tunes, and fascinating performances from the cast. With so many films focused on effects and multiple locations, the minimalism and attention to detail in The Viewing makes one long for the true art of cinema and framing. 5 out of 5 sacs of blood.

—Victoria Potenza