Rabies (2010)

Review by David Rupp



A brother and sister who run away from home find sanctuary in a deserted nature reserve. When the sister falls into the trap of a psychopathic killer, the brother sets out on a race against time to find help. In a twist of fate the rescue of the sister becomes inadvertently intertwined with the lives of a group of young tennis players, a ranger and his dog, as well as a team of policemen.

Written and directed by Aharon Keshales & Navot Papushado
Starring: Lior Ashkenazi, Danny Geva and Ania Bukstein

Slated as the first Israeli horror film, Rabies has us sitting up wondering what to expect. As luck would have it, it is almost a footnote compared to the expectations, there are no rabid animals or monsters, no infections, just how messed up people are but that is okay too. Those of you who shun subtitles will groan, but what do expect from a foriegn film, it's easy to look past that.
Rabies had a pretty good vibe for a while, then you end up jumping around alot and it was hard to focus on any one character. I found the dialog in most places forced and rudimentary, almost as if it was trying for the western horror jargon and stereotype just a little too hard.
There was a bit of social commentary hiding in the story, but it just doesn't make up for the lack of character development. I found Rabies a medeocre offering, not horrible but just shy of center-line. I hope they continue the filming and move forward from here.
4/10