When it comes to European horror, Ukraine doesn’t typically jump to the front of your mind. Which is interesting considering Chernobyl is located in Ukraine. Except for Chernobyl Diaries, co-written and produced by Paranormal Activity’s Oren Peli, there aren’t too many films that take place around the Chernobyl disaster, either. Unfortunately, due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, one can wonder if the hopes of Ukrainian horror are put on the back burner for the time being. If you were in the market for some Ukrainian horror, you’re just in luck.
Morena follows Anya (Taisiya-Oksana Shchuruk) and her boyfriend, Yurko (Illia Valianskyi). The happy couple is making their way back to Anya’s hometown to visit her parents. Shortly after arriving back in town, they are introduced to Ivanka (Iryna Gromadska), a happy, carefree young woman, who is referred to as a witch by Anya’s friends. Once Ivanka gets eyes for Yurko, things go downhill for everyone involved. Morena is a cat-and-mouse tale of love, lust, and violence.
Writer/director Serhii Aloshechkin starts off as a hot and heavy sexual thriller before pivoting to fun, campy occult mayhem. Morena is a simple story told well. The occult aspect of the film is pretty straightforward. Aloshechkin’s screenplay doesn’t throw too many twists or surprises, but that’s not a problem. His direction and cinematography paint a gorgeous picture to make up for any of the story’s shortcomings. The way Aloshechkin captures his main cast of incredibly attractive people is beyond delightful.
The best way I could describe Morena visually is like if modern James Wan made a film 21 years ago. The staging, blocking, lighting, and editing feel like a mid-aughts movie, which is probably why I liked it so much. Beautiful RGBs light the night scenes with such a feeling of nostalgia. Throw in the naked wirework choreography and tons of blood, and you have one hell of a picture. Morena goes off the rails slightly toward the beginning of the third act/end of the second act. The character’s actions seemed too forced to work, but it’s not enough of a curveball to take away the overall enjoyment.
I should clarify that I’m not the most knowledgeable on the Ukraine/Russia conflict. From my knowledge, Russia invaded Ukraine and then got pissed when Ukraine fought back. There is probably a deeper meaning to this film that I am completely glossing over. At times, Morena feels like a typical good versus evil story, where evil is a wolf in sheep’s clothing, while at other times it feels like an overly entertaining popcorn flick; either way, it works.
Morena was a complete surprise in the best ways possible. With the exception of Malignant, I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen a modern horror movie with such impeccable wirework. The occult subgenre isn’t my go-to subgenre, but Morena has completely changed my mind. It doesn’t go over the top with occult lore; it plays out simply and lets the audience enjoy the ride. If you want a sexy occult thriller with buckets of blood, Morena is the film for you!