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Although I had read so much about A Serbian Film (2010), and don't remember the last time that a film of this type so split opinion, I was conscious of the need to approach it with an open mind as I wanted to make my own decisions without the influence of others. I had heard opinions ranging from 'avoid at all costs' to 'challenging and provocative' which was more than enough to convince me to track it down before its official release.

The plot follows a semi-retired porn actor who agrees to take a role in an art house film in an effort to alleviate his families financial woes. The films director refuses to disclose the nature of the plot much to the bemusement of protagonist Miloš. After a confusing walk through an orphanage, Miloš is led into the first of many explicit circumstances which go on to have elements of rape, necrophilia and child abuse. I don't intend on going any deeper into the plot or the specifics of the memorable scenes. To do so would be to steal from you some feeling of shock or repulsion that this entitles you to. My recommendation would be to see the film with as little knowledge of the content as possible.

The two main influences I see in the film (or at least the two films I am reminded of upon viewing) are Eli Roth's Hostel (2005) and Pier Paolo Pasolini's Salo, or the 120 Days of Sodom (1975). Hostel is obvious and in some ways  a shortcut to thinking. I am sure this is the film that A Serbian Film will be compared to most which, as unfortunate as you may consider it, is a prominent member of the same genre as this film must be filed. Salo however is a different proposition altogether; a deeply affecting and challenging film, the likes of which I have not seen equaled. Talking in terms of nihilism, exploitation and controversy, that is the benchmark which probably should never be met or surpassed. Exploring themes of  political corruption, abuse of power, sadism, perversion, and sexuality, A Serbian Film does not attain the same level of impact or effectiveness.

I must admit to the feeling that certain scenes were formulated purely for the impact they were sure to cause and the attention that there inclusion would bring to the feature. I don't necessarily consider this to be a negative thing but there are two scenes in particular which stand out to me in this manner. The film is not without social and artistic merit, which are both of particular note when considering the country of origin, but this is somewhat diluted by the extremities the filmmakers take the audience as we join them beyond repulsion and forward to bemusement.

A Serbian Film is going to struggle to function beyond its notoriety which will define the films release. It would be an understatement if I was to tell you that the film is going to be cut upon UK release; butchered would be a better term (a reported 49 cuts made by the BBFC). With this notoriety those who decide to see the film must do so in the knowledge that they may not like what they see and with this knowledge are entitled to view the film in its original form. The days of films being cut, and cut by almost five minutes, are decades past and I don't know if it is a misunderstanding or a refusal to understand that has led to this. Whether you view this film as a social commentary or the next level of torture porn you will remember it and based upon that fact alone I recommend you see it (uncut).

UK Release Date 3rd January 2010.