LOST SOULS
A New Line Cinema release   

review by Joseph B. Mauceri

SYNOPSIS: A failed exorcism reveals the imminent birth of the anti-Christ. Exorcist consultant and survivor, Maya Larkin (Ryder) knows who and when, and must deal with a faith crisis to prevent lawyer/author Peter Kelson from fulfilling his destiny in the evil prophecy. 

REVIEW: "Rosemary's Baby," a great film, based on a great novel. "The Exorcist" is another example. We can also mention "Angel Heart," which was based on Fallen Angel, and "The Devil's Advocate." New Line Cinema's LOST SOULS crumbles under its own weight due to a lack of direction in the narrative.

First, LOST SOULS is compelling to look at. Academy Award-winning cinematographer, trying his hand at directing here, Janusz Kaminski is an exceptional cinematic visionary. He creates a dark "fairy tale" looking environment and then works all the tools of his trade to create suspense and horror. He employees a classical staging and direction of his actors that is reminiscent of the films of the thirties and forties. There are minimal special effects, as the majority are achieved through the director's skill with the camera and lights.

The cast is lead by Winona Ryder and Ben Chaplin, as LOST SOULS is about their character struggles. Born and raised in England, Ben Chaplin is out of the gate and ahead of his co-stars by just doing a believable New Yorker. Ryder conveys a strong and sympathetic character. You get a feeling of the moral and ethical hurricane she is at the center of. I wouldn't say the duo has "chemistry," but their performances compliment each other and tires to sell the tale. The rest of the performances come off as stereotypical genre film fodder.

The last statement is true, but I think a bit unfair. LOST SOULS is an ill-conceived screenplay. It lacks consistency and tries to make sense of a confusing narrative. There are numerous elements lifted from demonic novels and films, combined haphazardly into a plot. Who is this story about, Maya Larkin or Peter Kelson? In the first act, Maya is the focus. The second act displaces her for Kelson, reducing Maya to a supporting character. At times she even comes off as a side-kick. The third act is a tug-of-war between the two. Who is the story about? Whom should I be caring about? Where is the devil in all this?

The film's biggest mistake is allowing the audience into an exorcism. Earlier flashbacks to Maya's exorcism are more interesting then when Kelson walks into what is supposed to be a demonic maelstrom. It's disappointing and lacks any of the momentum or power from earlier references in the film. Equally flaccid is the climax and resolution. What was actually resolved? Has Maya changed? Has Satan been thwarted? Do we care? Should we care?

Halloween, January and February are dumping grounds for genre films, and the latter mediocre films in general. It is little wonder that LOST SOULS has been sitting on a shelf at New Line for over a year. Yes, it was one of those millennium tales, which I think is trying to catch a ride on the re-release of "The Exorcist." With two Academy Awards under his belt, it just goes to show that talented people can make bad movies.

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