Dollface

Dollface

Dollface follows a group of college students doing a research paper on local serial killer legend Dorchester Stewart, better known as Crinoline Head. In order to properly investigate, the group goes to the scene of the murders that happened back in 1996.

The film opens with an airy, dreamy, curious, and slightly creepy score playing over a flashback to 1980 that quickly describes the origin of Dollface. While the scene doesn't provide much substance for the makings of the killer, it does the trick to set up the beginnings of a very troubled boy. It also works as a new story set-up for any viewers who haven't seen the first film featuring the killer, Crinoline Head. With that said, it isn't necessary to view Crinoline Head in order to enjoy Dollface, it functions just fine as a standalone film.

Being a slasher flick, the kills are as front and center as the killer himself. While there is plenty of splattering blood, the on screen gore itself is very minimal, so gore hounds may feel a little letdown by Dollface. But what the film lacks in gore it makes up for in creativity. Some of the kills are very cleverly set up and one in particular had me cringing as I saw it coming; whatever you do ladies, don't “pop a squat” in the woods.

As for the killer, the look of Dollface is pretty well and simply conceived. The filmmakers made a wise decision to not show or focus too much on the human face behind the broken doll mask. Exposing the human face behind the killer's mask always seems mostly unnecessary and distracting. And the mask, while not as terrifying as Leatherface or a simplistic hockey mask, is frighteningly out of place and creepy enough to pass as unique and effective.

The group of students all do a solid job in their roles, but Leah Wiseman was a clear standout to me. She has the look of Taissa Farmiga: a non expressive face coupled with very expressive eyes that gives her an instant bit of mystery and depth. She brings an acute realism to every scene whether it be her naturalistic delivery of lines or little reactions to others as they speak, that made her rise above the rest of the young cast. She'll next star in Dollface writer/director Tommy Faircloth's next project, Family Possessions, which is in pre-production as of this writing.

The real star of Dollface is the great Debbie Rochon. Of all her performances, this is some of the best acting I've seen her do. She really slows down here and allows for her characters seemingly painful past to show up on her face as she speaks. It's a very strong role that she elevates with a fully realized understanding and portrayal of her character. She is also beyond funny and downright hilarious, her lines and delivery kept me laughing every time she was on screen! Kudos to Ms. Rochon, with over 250 acting credits to her name she is still at the top of her game.

Dollface doesn't re-write the rules of the slasher genre, it doesn't break new ground, or offer any clever (or annoying) twist ending. It plays as a straight up slasher homage/satire and does a decent job of keeping the viewer entertained. It's worth watching for Debbie Rochon alone, but I found myself laughing, cringing, and ultimately having a pretty good time.