Incredibly alluring and haunting cosmic horror/folk horror about the frustration of things we cannot explain, with lots of subtext to wander through. The film relies on mood and atmosphere, partnered with ominous music to get to you, it really feels like a fever dream. There is a deep existential terror at the heart of this film. You can feel how alarming and sinister it is at the quietest moments and I really enjoy the mystery and the emotional interplay. It drags on a bit at the second half and never quite live up to the impressive first act, but it is still a very intriguing film regardless of its slow pace.

First saw in 1982. Got the bluray several months ago but it didn't work, but now have one that does, but not the three disc special which I can't find. Still think this is wonderful despite not having an ending as such, if one forgets Sara. It is the mood and the landscape, and the brilliant use of netting on the camera which give it a such a dreamy diffused glow. Haunting and picturesque, the sense of eroticism and tension underneath the everyday dealings is the best I have ever seen portrayed, yet not explicit in any way. An electrically charged piece of filming. There is something wonderful about good films from the 70s that only really has that same resonance in the 30s.

Oh, what a strange, interesting movie. Reminded me of The Virgin Suicides (what’s the word for “being reminded of something that came later and was clearly influenced by the earlier work?) in its dreamy evocation of adolescent female sexuality. Want to revisit again in the future.

This whole film felt like a dream, a tragic dream. Such a beautiful film

What would happen at Hanging Rock?