The Unsettling Masterpiece That Defies All Genres

Welcome to Halloween, where we are compelled to confront our deepest fears, both known and unknown, through a wide array of chilling horror movies. But if you desire something truly unsettling, you must disregard the arbitrary boundaries of the genre. In simpler terms... Come and See.

Indulge in the delightful aroma of pumpkin spice lattes, while golden leaves whisper and crunch beneath your feet. Embrace the coziness of long coats and plush sweaters, as brisk chills creep into the extended nights and distant dawns. As you settle in for dimly-lit nights, prepare for a myriad of horror movies that will leave you breathless and on edge, with a mix of hushed gasps and hysterical screams. For the spooky season has arrived.

When searching for something terrifying and gory, the internet will provide numerous lists of the "best ever," "scariest," and "most disturbing" content. However, for those with a strong constitution and unwavering determination, what I am about to introduce may not fit into the horror genre, yet it is undeniably one of the most unforgettable and crucial cinematic works you will ever encounter.

"And as the fourth seal was opened, I heard the voice of the fourth creature saying, 'Come and witness.'"

You’ll never forget the horror of Come and See

Sovexportfilm

Two Belarusian boys engage in imaginative play in the sand, imitating the actions of their adult counterparts who are armed, searching for guns to join the Soviet forces against the cruel invading Nazis during World War II. In the distance, a cantankerous individual grumbles, the type who would spoil their fun by bursting their ball, warning them to keep their distance.

Despite the grumbler's well-meaning complaints, the boys pay no attention. The delight of their discovery is interrupted by the sound of a reconnaissance plane flying overhead, a vigilant eye surveying the sky like a hawk observing a field of mice. These moments of youthful joy are exceedingly rare in the opening scenes of "Come and See," a Soviet anti-war film and the last work by Elem Klimov in 1985.

War possesses a dual nature: it is both shocking in its reality and captivating in its portrayal as entertainment. While personal stories often emerge from war, such as the relentless struggles faced by soldiers in "1917" or the psychological trauma endured by Pvt. Pyle in "Full Metal Jacket," the genre generally focuses on suspense and visceral horrors. There are, however, rare exceptions like "Apocalypse Now" and "The Deer Hunter," which delve deeper into the effects of war rather than just its suspenseful and gory aspects. In contrast, "Come and See" presents a unique perspective, offering a harrowing portrayal of the atrocities committed by the Reich and the unsettling landscape of war through the eyes of Flyora, a young teenager who is reluctantly thrust into the partisan fight.

Using natural light, ambient music, and close-ups that directly engage with the camera, each scene creates an overwhelming sense of being confronted with past atrocities, free from the sensationalism and exaggerated direction commonly found in Hollywood. There are no heroic charges, slow-motion action shots, or triumphant victories; even in its surrealism, profound misery permeates throughout.

This film maintains a stringent commitment to authenticity that is often overlooked or dismissed in contemporary times. For instance, a bombing sequence set in the forest is so convincingly realistic that it might as well have involved a rented B52 aircraft. Grotesque images of mutilated bodies and charred remains intertwine with actual footage of starving, tormented Belarusians and other victims. Additionally, the portrayal of German forces, with their despicable laughter and long record of violence, does not aim to simply vilify them; instead, it presents a broader depiction of the inhumanity inherent in war, extending beyond the actions of any single Nazi individual.

In a remarkable scene, Flyora ventures through the countryside in the nighttime accompanied by a cow. Suddenly, the tranquil twilight transforms into a nightmare of gunfire and danger. Surprisingly, the cow remains unharmed, standing unwaveringly. It appears to be a rare moment of respite until a new barrage of red tracers streak through the sky, striking the cow and causing its demise.

What unfolds before your eyes is the actual demise of an animal, evident through its shifting, dilating eyes and anguished moans. While death may be portrayed romantically in fiction, nothing serves as a stronger contrast to the poetic struggle against mortality than an innocent creature trapped in the senselessness of its crosshairs, witnessing its surroundings flicker and fade to darkness.

Come and See is a physical and emotional endurance test

Sovexportfilm

The movie's title is not simply chosen randomly. It is derived from chapter six of the Book of Revelation, where it describes a pale horse ridden by Death, followed by Hell. They are given power to kill a quarter of the world's population using various means, such as sword, hunger, death, and the beasts of the Earth.

Klimov, the director, encountered significant opposition and censorship from Soviet authorities during the eight-year process of making the film. The shooting itself took nine months, following a chronological sequence, subjecting the young and relatively inexperienced actor to extreme fatigue and hunger. The filming conditions were arduous and demanding.

Klimov found inspiration in the accounts of the genocide against the Belarusians, a lesser-known aspect of history in the West. One harrowing story recounted villagers being gathered in a church by the Nazis, particularly the Dirlewanger Brigade, to be burned alive. However, moments before the torches were ignited, an officer made an unthinkable offer: "Anyone without children can leave." One man made the heartbreaking decision to leave his wife and kids behind. In another village, there was no escape from a cruel fate. The adults were massacred by flames in a barn, while the children were savagely torn apart by dogs.

Recognizing how little awareness there was about the tragedy, Klimov decided to create a movie based on it. It should be noted that the above account is a direct adaptation, resulting in a profoundly disturbing experience both physically and emotionally. As noted by Roger Ebert in his original review, this film is "one of the most devastating films ever made on any subject, leaving the survivors envious of the deceased." The director expressed his anticipation of the film's brutality and acknowledged that it may be too difficult for people to watch. He shared this sentiment with his co-author, Ales Adamovich, who contributed to the screenplay.

His co-writer responded, "If they choose not to watch it, so be it. This is our enduring legacy, serving as a testament to war and an impassioned plea for peace."

Come and See is currently accessible for streaming on The Criterion Channel, and it is also available for purchase or rental on Amazon Prime. Additionally, feel free to explore our other Halloween-related content featured below:

Please note that if you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.