"The Conference" Movie Review

 "The Conference"

Movie Review – A Gripping Swedish Horror-Comedy.

The Conference, is a Swedish horror-comedy film that blends social commentary with gruesome horror. Directed by Patrik Eklund, the movie is based on the novel by Mats Strandberg and revolves around a corporate team-building retreat that turns into a nightmare. Known for its unique take on workplace dynamics and dark humor, The Conference stands out as a film that intertwines horror with satire to deliver an unsettling yet humorous experience.

The Conference is set at an isolated hotel where a group of municipal employees comes together for a team-building retreat. The employees are involved in a controversial urban development project that has already led to public protests. The main characters include Lina (played by Katia Winter), Jonas played by (Adam Lundgren), Torbjörn played by (Christoffer Nordenrot), Eva played by (Eva Melander), and a few others. Each of them harbors secrets, insecurities, and personal vendettas, which makes the retreat tense even before any horror starts.

What begins as a seemingly mundane team-building exercise quickly turns into chaos as the group's unresolved conflicts and mutual distrust surface. As they work through forced activities meant to foster unity, they realize that they are not alone in the remote location. A masked killer, bent on revenge, starts picking them off one by one in increasingly brutal ways. This mysterious slasher appears to have a personal vendetta against the group, and soon, the workers find themselves trapped in a game of survival.

The Conference is not just about jump scares and gory kills; it’s a satirical commentary on corporate culture, bureaucracy, and interpersonal dynamics within a workplace. The film plays heavily on the absurdity of corporate team-building exercises, which are often depicted as meaningless and ineffective in fostering real change. It critiques the hypocrisy of leadership and decision-making in corporate settings, where profits often take precedence over human lives and ethics. 

One of the core themes of the movie is the hidden toxicity within workplace environments. The characters represent different archetypes commonly seen in office settings: the ambitious but morally dubious leader, the quiet but resentful subordinate, the overly enthusiastic HR representative, and the employees just trying to get through the day. These personalities clash in various ways, and the film uses this friction to build suspense before the true horror of the masked killer emerges.

In addition, the film touches on issues like corruption and greed, particularly in relation to the controversial urban development project that the team is working on. The fact that they are targeted because of their involvement in this project adds an extra layer of guilt and moral ambiguity to their situation.

The ensemble cast delivers solid performances that balance humor with horror. Katia Winter as Lina is one of the standout characters. Her portrayal of a conflicted employee trying to maintain her professionalism while dealing with personal issues is both relatable and poignant. Adam Lundgren’s portrayal of Jonas, a passive-aggressive team member with his own hidden agenda, adds to the tension.

Christoffer Nordenrot and Eva Melander also shine in their roles, especially in moments where their characters are forced to confront their own flaws and insecurities. The interplay between the characters is what makes the movie compelling, as the horror comes not only from the slasher elements but also from the way they betray and undermine each other in their fight for survival.

As a horror-comedy, The Conference doesn’t shy away from gore and violence. The kills are creative, brutal, and at times, darkly humorous, which adds to the overall tone of the film. The tension builds gradually as the characters begin to realize the seriousness of their situation, and the claustrophobic setting of the remote hotel amplifies the sense of dread.

Cinematographer Erik Molberg Hansen does an excellent job of using the hotel’s isolated surroundings to heighten the suspense. The setting itself becomes a character, with its dark corridors, foggy landscapes, and eerie silence contributing to the sense of danger. The film uses shadows and lighting effectively to create an unsettling atmosphere, especially during the night sequences when the killer strikes.

What sets The Conference apart from traditional slasher films is its use of humor and satire. The film doesn’t take itself too seriously, and the comedy arises from the absurdity of the characters’ actions and their futile attempts to make sense of their predicament. The corporate jargon, team-building clichés, and awkward office dynamics are all ripe for parody, and the film delivers plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.

The humor also comes from the characters’ reactions to the increasingly bizarre and violent events around them. Instead of banding together, they often make ridiculous decisions that highlight their selfishness and incompetence. This blend of humor with horror makes The Conference a refreshing addition to the genre, as it’s not afraid to poke fun at itself while still delivering genuine scares.

The Conference is a unique blend of horror, satire, and social commentary. Its strength lies in its ability to balance humor with gruesome horror, all while making a pointed critique of corporate culture. The film’s commentary on workplace toxicity, combined with its darkly comedic tone and brutal kills, makes it a memorable entry in the horror-comedy genre.

Fans of slasher films will appreciate the creative kills and suspense, while those looking for something deeper will find plenty to analyze in the film’s depiction of corporate dysfunction and human nature. Whether you’re in it for the horror or the humor, The Conference played by is a must-watch for fans of genre-blending cinema.