I'll bet they have fun with this one in film studies. Spring can be used as a personality test based on how a viewer perceives it. Do they see it as a romantic drama comedy about star crossed lovers? Do they see a satire poking fun at the gamut of movies about an immortal falling in love with a mortal that they've only known for 5 days and be willing to give up their immortality for love? Do they see an art house style movie full of symbolism and bravo for abstract expression? Do they think it's just stupid and makes no sense? Do they just see a zombie shooting drugs in a church?

Spring is a little bit of all of that. I was kept guessing only when it related to what the heck Louise was. The rest follows the generic formula for a romantic comedy that didn't really leave me satisfied when it was over. I am not really ashamed to admit that I was hoping she'd eat Evan at the end.

A hidden gem and easily one of the best movies I've seen in a long time. The acting, writing and directing are all seamless.

I admit there were moments, such as when our poor protagonist reacts to the truth about his girlfriend, which stretched the bounds of plausibility, but aside from those few scenes the film was incredibly real and fresh throughout.

The film's brand of dry, intelligent humor was a lovely surprise. I buckled in for a thriller and found myself laughing many times instead. I also highly commend the snippets of philosophy, morality, mortality, religion and science which were sprinkled throughout the film and delivered with just the right amount of wit and depth by both actors.

It really is a wonderful blend of romance and sci-fi, and this is coming from someone who loves sci-fi and has a pathological fear of chick flicks. I highly recommend it.

This turned out to be much sweeter, much more touching than I had first anticipated. Though the film takes a good half an hour to get into its stride it really is worth the slight uneasy feeling you may have when Evan first gets to Italy and you're wondering if it's going to turn into something akin to the Hostel series, but thankfully this is as far away from that kind of horror as possible.

At it's core the film is a dark, fairy-tale like horror romance but it keeps itself grounded in ways that are really satisfying and could only be possible in the world of independent cinema because if someone else, other than Benson & Moorhead, had made the film it could've easily turned into one of those slick, Hollywood style fantasy movies with lots of leather, low-key lighting, vivid colours and fast editing. The film does have very dark moments, horrifying moments, but they're handled with a certain amount of grace and elegance that I wasn't expecting and you will enjoy this film more than you think you might.

The lead actors are great. Lou Taylor Pucci's portrayal of Evan is wholly convincing, his character could've run the risk of being entirely forgettable but he's sweet and charming and highly likable. Nadia Hilker has been working in German television for about 5 years, this is her first feature film, and I have to say I'm a little bit in love with her. The personality she gives to a character that could easily have fallen into the realms of utter cliché is really, really refreshing.

A slightly twisted, supernatural companion piece to Before Sunrise? maybe, maybe not. But definitely something different, at least.

Aaron Moorhead and Justin Benson caught my attention with their excellent debut feature Resolution. Resolution was a film that played heavily with the genre tropes yet I wouldn't necessarily call it a horror movie. Spring is much like that. It's not a genre hybrid, it's a movie that just forgets genres. It's unique. These filmmakers have a vision and they're sticking with it. They want to show you something new, something no one has ever put on screen. And it's beautiful. And it's disgusting.

This is why independent horror is a scene worthy following. This is why I watch movies.

So, you're scrolling through IMDb top 250 looking for something. It doesn't have to be an awesome blockbuster or a life-changing experience. BUT you do want to see something decent. This is your movie.

If you are looking for that run of the mill hack and slash horror movie(including flying heads and such) keep looking.

But, if, like me, your looking for that tiny jewel you just so happened to miss, you've just hit the jackpot.

The beginning of the movie is raw and slow. But not too raw or slow. However, slow and raw enough that pop-corn munching blockbuster- loving idiots will be bored.

Movies that start like this can develop in works that make you feel like hell for 2 hours and then leave you with nothing. So, I started doubting whether this movie was going to be too much "slice of life".

But then...

You are rewarded for putting up with harsh reality.

When the main characters are introduced to each other this movie changes. The dialogue is fascinating. The plot is introduced quickly yet gently, and completely sucks you in.

You're on a creepy ride which you think might break down at any moment...But it doesn't.

The movie really keeps momentum and leaves you with a satisfying experience.

The characters are fleshed out well and the "horror" part eases in smoothly.

All in all, I would watch this movie again just to see my loved ones react to it. Watch this movie, and be positively surprised, you have just found yourself a little gem.

I thought this was terrific. It has all the elements that make for a memorable movie – likable characters, interesting relationships, interesting locations, a good soundtrack and finally, for me, a big plus, an ending that satisfies. It's a love story with a Sci-fi twist to it but the emphasis is on the romance between Evan and Louise.

Evan, a young man from the USA, is dodging the police (due to his involvement in a minor incident) and decides that it would be a good time to get out of town. Acting on impulsive, he flies to Italy, meets some people, goes on a road trip and winds up in a little town where he meets Louise. Here is where the story really begins.

Boy meets girl. Boy falls for girl and falls hard – love at first sight. You feel bad for him because you know right off the bat that something is not quite right with the enigmatic Louise. There's no way this is going to end well but that doesn't keep you from hoping that it does and hey, you never know. And then things get weirder and weirder. The pace is a bit slow but you never feel bored. Normally I would find extended scenes of two of people talking to be dull, but these aren't – they're really interesting, revealing and intimate. The look of the movie is also very nice. The country side and the quaint town – a vacationers dream locale – and then there's Louise – what is she? Throw in some history, legend, junk science and a bit of philosophy. Loved the ending.

Both Pucci (Evan) and Hilker (Louise) are excellent in their roles – convincing and very likable. Good stuff.

I saw this on a dvd recently. Wasnt keen on watching this. Firstly, it is not a horror film n fans of the horror genre will b disappointed. There is too much chatting between characters but there was something which made me complete the film in one sitting n although as a horror fan i got cheated into seeing this, i cannot dismiss this as a bad film. This film falls perfectly in the Lovecraftian horror genre. Has elements of science fiction, romance, mythos n fate. The acting by the two leads was surprisingly very good n both the characters were likeable. The only drawback is u dont get to see the monster in its full form but thats not the point of the film. Also noteworthy are some beautifully shot scenes. The ending scene was beautifully done with beautiful settings. To b honest, i dont like such films n will not watch these kinda films. One of my online pal convinced me into seeing this. Definitely it is a very good film but not my taste.

So...this movie is somehow thrown into the horror genre, but it is DEFINITELY not a horror movie. It's an avant-garde romantic comedy. There are a few sci-fi moments, but for the most part it's one of the cutest movies I've ever seen. The plot is very Disney with subtle hints of Slither-esque grotesqueness. I liked this movie a lot, but I feel tricked... I was really in the mood for a good horror film, but I got a strange rom-com instead. I'm not mad though. I enjoyed the film for its extreme amount of cuteness. I highly recommend this movie, but don't expect any horror. It has a lot of personality. I can't relate it any other film. I think this movie might pave the way for a new type of romantic comedy. I usually loathe romantic comedies, but this one takes a fresh approach! I can imagine this new genre really taking off. If you're a dude who's really into sci-fi and you're dating a girl who is really into typical chick-flicks, then this is a great movie for meeting her in the middle.

"I'm half undiscovered science, a bunch of confusing biochemistry and some crazy hormones."

"Spring" isn't really a horror film. It's a rather mythological love story with a "not so bad" twist. A story about how true love can overcome obstacles and how that makes you choose irreversible options. And this interspersed with sometimes lurid and bizarre scenes. There are several moments in this film, which also proceeds painfully slow (the only flaw I could think of), where you are wondering what the hell is actually going on. And when everything is explained in detail, you frown and instantly you think "What the f*ck was that ?". I admit that the whole metabolic explanation went over my head the first time, but after a while it became really clear and I realized it was dead simple. Ultimately it was a film that took me by surprise, despite its long playing time, and unexpectedly continued to fascinate me.

The beginning of this remarkable film is I could say brilliant. A scarce setting. Young Evan (Lou Taylor Pucci) bedside of his dying mother. A joke. A blank stare. A final sigh and then ... finito. The day of the funeral ends with an out of control bar fight. To avoid problems with the local police, Evan decides out-of-the-blue to book a plane ticket and travels to distant Italy. Once there, he ends up in the company of two British loudmouths whose main interests are : pouring as much as possible alcohol in their throat, using gore language and constantly trying to seduce an Italian girl. The day they scram and leave Evan behind, he's determined to get acquainted with the beautiful Louise (Nadia Hilker) with whom he briefly made eye contact, somewhere at a village square. He offers his services at some farm in order to pay for his stay and slowly the two grow closer together. What emerges is a not so obvious relationship. The mysterious and impulsive Louise isn't exactly making it easy for Evan and soon the viewer is fully aware that she's hiding a terrible secret.

What is it that makes this film so unique? Several things as I look at it afterwards. The casual and spontaneous way these two people interact, converse and let love flourish between each other. Not with contrived and forced dialogues. It seemed as if their love game unfolds naturally before your eyes and you witness how two charismatic individuals whirl around each other in a flirting way. You wouldn't say that Evan has charisma. He looks more like a meaningless, unqualified,miserable fellow who has no specific goal in his life and also has a limited wardrobe. Yet he came across as profound and intellectual during philosophical conversations with Louise. And certainly the speed at which he could grasp the whole explanation, proves there's a sparkle of some intelligence. Conversely Louise is a chunk of charisma. A mysterious character who Evan can't get hold of and whose reasoning and reactions raises questions. The reason why she is confusing at times and stands aloof, becomes clearer as soon as the terrible secret is revealed. Superb performances without a doubt.

Also cinematically it's a bit different. The camera movements and positions are sometimes surprising. The bird's-eye view sometimes delivers beautiful images such as the boat trip. These splendor images are regularly interrupted by short shots of all kinds of flora and fauna. Bizarre and sometimes incomprehensible. But all this is ultimately connected with the big secret. The most successful scene is when Louise explains the whole mystery to Evan. Although she doesn't want to explain it initially, she changes her mind and she does it while Evan is on its way through the narrow streets of the Italian village. And while stumbling over the cobbles he listens to the eerie tale. I would have preferred that she'd tell this complicated story calmly at a table because the pivoting camera and flashy long sequence demanded all my attention. And this ensured that the final message didn't directly hit me and sounded pretty hazy. The horror clips are scarce, sometimes unclear and sometimes with pretty ugly CGI. Is this done deliberately? Were the resources limited? I have no idea. But ultimately it all fits perfectly with the rest.

Maybe there's a moment when you're wondering where exactly the romance is hiding ? Maybe you dropped off because it's pretty surreal and it all looks strange. And yet you should do the effort to sit through the movie, because the final denouement is pure romance. This is the epitome of true love. Maybe I raved about this film, but I've never seen the concepts live, love, death,pregnancy and rebirth flow into each other in such a subtle way. A simplistic love story with a quirky twist which eventually ends in a way you hoped it would end. A beautiful, unique film that briefly will resonate to some.

More reviews here : http://opinion-as-a-moviefreak.blogspot.be

What a great little film. Once you get to the third act and you have all of the details, you pretty much know how it's probably going to end, but it doesn't matter. The fantastical premise serves a backdrop for a really fantastic human story, one that is pretty much interested in dialogue over plot. I first saw Lou Taylor Pucci in Evil Dead and thought he was so great in it. He has such an effective naturalism that is present here throughout. A nice surprise of a film, even if not without its flaws. I definitely will try to recommend this to people and try to put the word out there, I feel like it could gain a really strong fanbase if it got seen more.

This is a film well worth watching if you like innovative films that draw you in to the story which gradually reveals its mysteries.

I am not sure I would classify this as a horror film - in fact I am not sure what I would class it as - but it is brilliant.

The acting and production are excellent from start to finish, and you never really know the whole story until you have been drawn deep into the film and it is about to end.

The only very slightly disappointing bit was right at the end. I would have like to see the film carry on for a couple more minutes to see more of what happened to the characters.

I watched this movie without any expectations and was more than satisfied with it.

The story centers on a man traveling abroad after the death of his mother. By chance he happens to find himself in a very rural seaport town in Italy. A an exotic woman catches his eye and a romance begins. The rest of the tale centers on the young mans romance with the exotic woman, who isn't everything she appears to be and has a horrible secret.

This movie is a slow paced film with just enough gore and pacing to hold my interest. I was very satisfied with the tension and build-up at the closing moment of the film.

I highly recommend this to those who like well developed tension building lovecraftian horror. I'd be interested in watching further productions from this group of film-makers.

This is kind of a romance horror as weird as that sounds. Not really gory but it has horror elements. If you ever watched Perfume (which I strongly recommend by the way. Another amazing movie) you'll like Spring. It's kind of the same element. The acting was on point. All the actors had such great chemistry with each other and they were really believable. The 2 main characters were just phenomenal. The story was fresh and well written. The back-story was well thought out. The scenery was breathtaking and the cinematography was exceptional. A few comments I read on here said that it dragged in places. I didn't get that impression at all. I thought the pace was necessary to get you involved with the characters. And the creature was well done and flows with the whole concept. More surreal and less scary. For you guys, this is a really good horror type movie to watch with your lady if she doesn't like horror. She will appreciate the love story part. I just really liked it and will probably watch it several more times as well as recommend it to those I think would appreciate it

Have you ever seen a movie that is at the same time romantic drama, comedy, sci-fi and a horror movie with some historical elements? Spring is not a drama with other genre *elements*. This movie is at the same time all of the above. Now that's a crazy combination!

Spring takes things slowly. It is not fast paced horror movie primarily focused on delivering terror and creeps. Scary scenes are nicely distributed through the whole movie. In between them we enjoy romantic moments. Historical elements play a really important role in delivering the last few key moments. I found this movie pretty funny. Comedy is not by itself obvious (even though the main premise is pretty hilarious when you think about it); those having a peculiar sense of humor will surely appreciate "hidden" humor. Just look at a few quotes on IMDb page.

When I first had seen the movie I gave it a six. Now I give it an eight. This is one of the most original screen pieces I've ever seen. Different genres are balanced very finely.

Spring is going to disturb you, make you laugh and most importantly make you think about what gives life a meaning. Is it really important how long one lives?

And the final scene? It gives meaning to the whole movie and provokes answers to existential questions. Just wait till you see it!

I'm not sure I have ever seen a movie like SPRING. It is unique in both being a love story and horror/sci-fi, but without the cheesy parts (although it does have a good ending twist). It is filmed with caring and love and it is something you will never have seen before. If for no other reason, that makes it worth watching, but it was quite good as well.

The enjoyment of watching is that the movie will keep you guessing throughout and the characters are quite original. The filmmakers cared about the characters and how the audience would feel as they watched the movie. I was quite impressed with all the care and originality shown throughout this movie.

Everything magical happens in Italy, if you're American. OK, I was a little mean, the movie was actually pretty excellent. It's just this new cliché that if you want to become a vampire or meet some strange creatures you have to come from America to Europe, preferably Italy. I live in Italy and, except getting my soul sucked out of me at work, no vampires yet! Some zombies, though, especially in the morning.

Anyway, the film is a combination of sci-fi, romance and melancholy, and a successful one at that. Usually when people mix things up the result is either something too artsy or deep for its own good or a jumbled mess. Spring manages to balance everything: you have beautiful characters you can sympathize with, a story that allows you to explore the beauty of nature and sunsets in Italy and crap like that as well as the feelings and experiences of the characters, some strange stuff to give it a little spice.

No need to describe the plot to you. As one of the characters says in the end "destinations are overrated" and I think it was a line expressing the desire of the writer to make a story that you can enjoy without it having to reach some climax. Personally I thought the ending was kind of cheap, the only thing worse being the scenes with the stupid American guy. But, hey, love conquers all, right? No need to think of what the other person gives up for you. Heh.

Bottom line: a very visually pleasing film, well directed and shot, well acted, with an original story. It is kind of long, though, at almost two hours, giving it a kind of slow pace. Also, if you do not appreciate the small things in it, the ending is not going to make you like the film any more than the middle.

This has to be one of the most unpredictable movies that I happen to see in a long time. The feel of the movie is the real hero. Movies shot in Italy has its own charm. The direction is superb and a constant pace keeps the movie interesting throughout. The story line is unique- its like a fairytale bottle of romance with a pinch of horror/myth/supernatural. Till the first half of the movie you will not know what's the base. During the half time you think its some ordinary horror movie but as it unleashes it grips you till the very end scene. The last scene in the movie is the winner.

Acting parse- The newcomer Nadia Hilker is spontaneous and has got the role totally under her skin (i mean literally too). Lou (the male lead) is decent and its good that the story gives him only one set of clothes in the entire movie and he carries it well.

I can't say its a must watch but definitely recommendable. If you girlfriend like twilight or any vampire stuff, show her this one and add a tag - Thats how I deal:)

Spring starts off as a pretty standard travelogue romance, in which we find ourselves following our protagonist- Evan- as he flees to Italy after nearly killing a guy in a bar fight back in California.

In a similar vein as Afflicted (less the found footage element), Evan (like the main character of the aforementioned film) meets a girl at a bar while travelling, picks her up, and will never be the same because of it.

At first things go great. Their romance flourishes and he remains unaware of her true nature as...well...some sort of beast. A succubus? A vampire? A werewolf (or cat)? A combination of all three perhaps? Hard to tell exactly what she qualifies as at first.

All we know is that she is a genetics student who seems to transform into something sinister, unless she can inject herself with a substance that wards off the transformation into her bestial form- which renders her insatiably carnivorous and averse to sunlight. At times, she even goes through an elaborate ritual that seems to cause her to molt. Yet what she actually is remains unclear.

Eventually he walks in on her at the wrong time and discovers her unbelievable secret. He sees her in her true form...and...well...it's not like anything you would imagine. Let's just say it's Zulawski inspired (was that a Zulawski DVD menu screen on the TV at one point?!?).

Despite happening upon her in such a bizarre form, Evan manages to keep his cool and injects her- returning her to her human form.

His reaction to this whole incident manifests in a similar way as it does for us viewers- an insatiable curiosity about what she actually is. Yet he doesn't flee in terror. He sticks around and tries to help her- or perhaps just figure out what the hell it is he just witnessed.

--SPOILER-- She comes clean and reveals to him that she is, in fact, a creature that is thousands of years old; who will return to a previous evolutionary form if she is unable to consume or inject herself with stem cells that will ward off the bizarre transformation process.

Hilariously, despite being privy to all this...he still wants to keep her around as his girlfriend- especially after figuring out he has impregnated her. That's true love, I guess.

Throughout the remainder of the film, she breaks down the nature of her existence; details some of her past experiences; and describes what he has to look forward to granted they decide to go through with the pregnancy.

There is a slight twist to all of this, but it never fully culminates before the film ends...so it leaves you wondering...or sets itself up for a sequel.

Either way...as far as horror films go, this one is pretty mild. The lure here is definitely the creature effects- which are excellent. The main creature (when he first discovers her in her bestial form) is pretty f*cking awesome; and at one point there is a transformation scene reminiscent of the one in American Werewolf In London (which is badass). The rest of the film keeps you entertained enough- if only because you retain a curiosity about the nature of her existence as a monster. But overall it's nothing particularly special, and gets a meh from me.

5 out of 10.

I watched this movie because I was in the mood to watch a horror film and I like watching random indy horror flicks sometimes.

Unfortunately (for me), this really isn't a horror film at all, in the way that it is not the least bit "scary." If you like chick-flicks and romantic comedies, you will probably like this. It's basically a simple love story between two young people but with an interesting twist. Our main protagonist travels to Italy after his mom dies and falls in love with a girl who turns out to be some kind of vampire/werewolf creature.

The movie stays somewhat intriguing for a while, but in my opinion, the big reveal where he first finds out she is a "monster" (the audience knows long before) is very cheesy and comical. They cut to too many close-up shots that show imperfections in the make-up and the went a little overboard, choosing to turn her into a strange octopus like creature this time around. I found myself laughing at a lot of moments that were supposed to be intense or serious.

If you are looking for an independent romantic comedy with a creative twist, you will probably like this. They have good chemistry and the acting is pretty decent most of the time. The film is beautifully shot, with a pleasant looking, artistic feel and nice simple color grading that feels natural and not over-done.

Personally, once it gets to the part of the story where she starts explaining her transformations, I just couldn't buy it and felt like the film sort of fell apart at that point. She clearly acts like a young person, and not someone who is thousands of years old and lives forever. They would have been better off leaving things un-said, than trying so hard to explain everything and open up a myriad of holes in the story, and leave you with more questions that answers.

While this film wasn't really for me, its a quality film and I can see why many people have enjoyed it. It will be interesting to see what this director does next.

Wow, watch this!

Maybe the best film I've seen this year, up there with Whiplash and Birdman...

From the very opening scene I was immersed just like the first page of a fine book.. I immediately cared for this character within minutes. That's great writing. The dialogue was superb. Every aspect was in fact.

I must say the two leads were stellar... and the film had a bit of everything...The sense of travel, emotions, the score, location, cinematography...

A phenomenal film, you'd do yourself well to watch this immediately!

I came into this movie not expecting much, the title didn't really seem to have much meaning behind it, That is until i got deeper into the movie. This is not your typical horror/drama it takes you to a place where you really get connected to the characters in the movie. Normally films end leave you feeling as if they left something out but this one, takes you to the end and the end let me say is done in a way no other movie has done before. This is a great film, if you like horror/sci-fi/drama then watch this ..

10/10

The main actors are AMAZING on screen, i don't think it could of been done any better! WATCH This Tonight!

In Spring you have all the makings for a stock romantic film on the very romantic Italian coast. The movie is carried along well by Lou Taylor Pucci, a fine young talent who gives a sincere performance to a point...that point being the beauty and the beast climax which has the female lead Nadia Hilker as both the beauty and the beast.

Unfortunately this is where belief must be suspended. After a week long relationship with Hilker, Pucci is so in love with her when he learns she is some sort of a reptilian monster, he doesn't care. He still wants her, even though she might kill him as she has done to other people.

Yet, the monster element does keep you watching in amazement until the rather non eventful ending.

Playing with tropes and flirting with genres Spring dances around the edges of it's own definition. Blending elements of mystery, thriller, horror, coming-of-age, and romance Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead weave a fantastical tale of love and the mysteries in life. Giving the viewer just enough to hook us in they slowly reveal a beautiful and oddly charming relationship while keeping a brooding and sinister undertone throughout. Gorgeously shot Spring pops with vibrance showcasing it's alluring location in the sun. When the light dims in the night Spring comes alive. In these darkened morbid hours the central relationship of the story comes through.

Lou Taylor Pucci and Nadia Hilker own the screen with ease. If you were to tell me that they were a real life couple I would believe it. Their chemistry is electric and they play as if they have known each other their whole lives. Spring lives and dies by their relationship and they do not disappoint. Pucci plays Evan with a reserved edge. A man who is suffering, but has no one to confide in. His internal pain is easily felt and aptly conveyed through Pucci's eyes. He embodies the role of a wounded man seeking comfort. Hilker's mysterious and enticing Louise, seemingly, a dream woman. Striking beauty met with excellent wit and high intelligence made all the more enchanting by the mystery that surrounds her. Hilker makes it very easy for the view to quickly fall for Louise just as Pucci's Evan does. Just as much as he wants to experience more of her, we do as well. Louise is likewise intrigued by Evan and his apparent impulsiveness to up and leave his own country on a moments notice. Just as she wants to find out what it is he is seeking, we do as well.

The special effects fit the tone of Spring well. Creative and original while still being a bit of a throwback to classic horror. By being used only sporadically their effectiveness is even stronger. Spring's is edited brilliantly. While flowing along at a rather slow pace Spring never feels as though it wanders or strays. Rather it takes a second to watch the beauty of the story as it unfolds. Benson and Moorhead crafted quite the film in Spring. A mesmerizing and haunting portrait.

9/10

What a rip! Marketing a romantic comedy as a horror flick. The filmmakers should be ashamed of themselves. This was like sitting through Twilight 24 or something.

I'm not going to write any spoilers here; I don't need to. My one star review speaks for itself. What started off as an interesting crime drama devolved into a ridiculous love story with pseudo-supernatural elements surrounding it. Every character outside of the main couple had diddly squat to do with the film's progression. They were just there as distractions or fillers to pad out the 90 minutes that is this stinker.

BTW, the one star if for the cinematography. All those wide, sweeping shots of Italy were pretty cool.

I seriously do not understand why this film received such great reviews. I knew absolutely nothing about it other than the fact that it had received some accolades and so went in cold. I was expecting the film to go in one direction, then it veered off....another direction, then it veered off again.....and then by the end I felt like i was watching some kind of rom-com-horror mashup. The humor was misplaced, the calmness of the main character when confronted with something that would make any normal person at least hyperventilate was completely unrealistic, and not once during the entire film did i feel even the slightest thrumming of my pulse. It was pointless eye candy and could hardly be called "original". If this is considered original then this tells me all I need to know about the power of mass opinion. It is much ado about nothing.