In Fabric reviewed by Mark Kermode

[@keyfeatures]

Loved this film. The real horror was not so much the creepy shop assistants with their bald, be-wigged mannequin heads, but in the strange cultish behaviours of stag nights with geezers ("he's solid", "hurt my Babs I'll do you"), dating rituals (sad single roses wrapped in cellophane, awkward 'conversations' over lengthy meals with shared dessert to use the vouchers), strange corporate speak "mind if we have a chat?", uniforms and branding of the workplace (those weired green 'W' lapel badges at Wangels, the rituals of January sales and consumerism. The 'fabric' is the fabric of society. "Wear me and become me". We don the garb of our bizarre culture, treat money as a fetish object etc.

[@pablobratcat]

The washing machine repairs manager who looks and acts like the scariest gangster boss ever.,

[@31webseries]

I do love the Suspiria meets Are You Being Served? feel but I wish they would've either just followed Sheila's character or integrated the stories better.

[@matthewjury4385]

Agreed

[@danielevans1894]

Just watched it and it’s amazing. Completely loved it. It’s like Argento directed Are you being served. Also a brilliant soundtrack.

[@seanmurphyTHEONEANDONLY]

Couldn't agree more! Just watched it and echo your sentiments.

[@beejay271]

I had no idea what was happening the entire movie. It was like watching someone else's weird dream. The music and sound was brilliant! I watched it with headphones and the subliminal sounds were weird I didn't know what was in my imagination or was it sounds from the actual movie.

[@gavinpowers1217]

Isn't that what was lovely about it though? Cinema is meant to be escapism and what better route to escapism than the surreal? Your dreams are surreal. I crave the ability to write this kind of stuff. It's so nuanced. Little things like the post-it saying 'Attention Shiela', when you'd just write 'mum'. Or people saying they had a 'sleeping dream', when we'd just say 'dream'. Or your boss calling a meeting because your handshake isn't suitable. I find it beauty-like

[@vaginaspecialist]

@@gavinpowers1217 the movie was stupid.

[@AdrianMendoza23]

Man, I really wanted to like this movie. The trailer is better than the film. I liked the soundtrack.

[@thanos43infinity]

Suspiria meets Are You Being Served? Im Free!..and Im also a Witch lol!

[@franklingoodwin]

I was hoping Mark would say it was The Poltergeist meets Are You Being Served? 🤣

[@Cobralalalala]

It'll conjure up with wear.

[@charlesanderson5816]

I saw this at Sitges last year. It was shown late at night at around 1am. It was more like a weirded dream at that time.

[@euansmith3699]

Cavanah Antimatter; international man of mystery.

[@Onmysheet]

I'm disappointed my local cinemas aren't screening this film, even my local Fact Picturehouse. I'll have to wait for the Blu Ray in August.

[@nightrunr]

Where is it being released in august. And how do u know. I need to see this film

[@bbbylw]

It's on Curzon Home Cinema now

[@Onmysheet]

It's out in the UK on August 26th.

[@bbbylw]

@@Onmysheet It's on VOD in the UK now, via Curzon Home Cinema.

[@Onmysheet]

The app doesn't support my tablet.

[@Londonguy1987_]

This review is fantastic. I didn't know how to fully formulate and articulate my thoughts after watching the movie, but this review brought everything into perspective and is so well explained. Kermode is a great resource for anyone that writes reviews or blogs about movies. His views here are exactly how i felt. It's a sensory experience more than a clear narrative piece of cinema, it achieves the "susperia" feel.

[@Bhazor]

When Mayo is completely lost and Kermode loves it I know its a film made for me.

[@GoldenGyroBalls]

Watched it a few nights ago. What a blast this was! Wonderfully atmospheric and entertaining as hell. The last 15 minutes were absolutely killer. I do agree that the first half is better than the second but it still kept me engaged all the same.

[@henripentant1120]

I love this film honestly. It came to me like the red dress just at the right time. I think this outdoes Argento at his own game much more of a complete circle than Suspiria and yet 100% faithful to it’s expressive aesthetic and it’s theories. I am a religious person but I really was moved by the sympathetic take on the coven and the nuanced modern look at the occult. So beautiful.

[@timothyw98]

Marine jean Baptise, really liked her in Secrets and Lies.

[@gavinpowers1217]

She's beautiful. The way she plays her role 'in Fabric' is sublime. So unassuming, downtrodden, yet optimistic and open for joy.

[@suzannawylie8684]

Love Kermode's cultural references, he really knows his stuff. Peter Strickland adapted Nigel Kneale's The Stone Tape for BBC radio a few years back.

[@nickludlam]

Oh that was Peter Strickland? I had no idea, thanks

[@guayabito6946]

I enjoyed the first part of the movie (specially Fatma Mohamed'd performance) but not the second. I feel that they could have done without it and expand on the first. The "suspiria" feel comes mostly from the colors and mainly the music, but the level of "horror" in this movie does not even come close to suspiria's.

[@flappy_meal_3214]

It felt like such a love letter to Argento, would definitely recommend :)

[@interstellar1962]

The wonderful soundtrack in the clip reminded me of a fragment of Tubular Bells. And great to hear Spearhead From Space get a mention, of the best Doctor Who stories ever. I'll certainly watch this film, loved Berberian Sound Studio.

[@greatpoochini1]

Arf. I was thinking that the department store exchange reminded me of Robert Blake and Bill Pullman's encounter in Lost Highway, and then Mark dismissed comparisons to David Lynch movies. Still the descriptions of other cross references like The Persuaders, Doctor Who, store mannequins etc. really reminded me of The Cybernauts from The Avengers tv series.

[@zoso8thegreat]

I would still stay there are some likenesses and/or nods to Lynch, Cronenberg, and even Kubrick at times. But the film still manages to be individual enough to not be derivative of these.

[@Faramord]

I found myself thinking of Chris Morris' horror series Jam as well, it's that very good mix of Brit horror and comedy.

[@peteradaniel]

I saw in Fabric on Sunday and it was absolutely fantastic. I couldn't stop laughing at how brilliant it was. Especially the service women clapping the customers out of the shop.

[@amasulem]

That scene reminded me of the original Suspiria..

[@1aundulxaldin]

"In Fabric" is a movie that accomplishes something profound for me every time I peruse it. It's scary because the focus of the movie isn't even really the killer dress. It's on EVERYTHING ELSE besides the dress. Shelia's rather strained life after divorce, dealing with her son, trying to move on with unsuccessful dates, her difficult work life and trying to appease her bosses, Reg and Bab's strained relationship, Reg simply going through the motions, Babs henpecking him, the bizarre behavior of the staff at Dentley and Soper's, I could go on. The movie puts you in an uncomfortable place without relying on the Killer Dress to do much of the heavy lifting. But you do feel its' presence in there all the same.

[@moeezS]

Such a great film, and so tragic but it's an audiovisual delight. Needed to be seen by anyone who was disappointed by the Suspiria remake. Glad to hear Kermode really enjoyed it.

[@tatehildyard5332]

I honestly really want to see this and Suspiria 2018 was one of my favorites of last year.

[@Onmysheet]

I wasn't pleased or disappointed by Suspria. Just didn't know what to make of it.

[@gavinpowers1217]

I watched 'In Fabric' a week ago and then watched it thrice more! Bravo to Kermode. He's bang on the money and I hope he puts that money in a capsule pipeline and has a sleeping dream about it!

[@rbdriftin]

Peter Strickland is wonderful. Loved every film of his and can't wait to see this one.

[@Videos3422]

It was my favourite one yet! Very funny

[@Alberto-mq3jm]

It was a weird boring and try hard movie IMO I may be mistaken tho

[@angelamatlock1932]

I like this movie but the scariest parts were the commercial s..down right eerie..they were all hypnotized by them..

[@dirkmarkham]

wow - Cavern of Anti-Matter soundtrack! gotta see this,,, :)

[@joshwinter1097]

Simon is not having it haha

[@gavinpowers1217]

ha-ha lol. Imagine Simon Mayo reviewing 'in Fabric' withouth Kermode's impetus!

[@gemnastar37]

loved it, I'd say if you're a fan of Garth Merangi's Dark Place you'll enjoy it

[@TequilaToothpick]

I love Dark Place but is that a compliment?

[@gemnastar37]

@@TequilaToothpick yes, meant as a compliment

[@TequilaToothpick]

@@gemnastar37 Cool. So does it have deliberately bad special effects and lots of humour? It does look intriguing, especially as I love Suspiria.

[@gemnastar37]

I wouldn't say bad effects but its definitely deliberate and yes, lots of humour.

[@doubledigitdreams]

great review, just watched this film last night and his breakdown is brilliant.

[@Professicchio]

It sounds like it's this year's "The Neon Demon".

[@Silhouetters]

hopefully it's better than that.

[@Onmysheet]

I surprisingly liked Neon Demon, but In Fabric will no doubt be better.

[@MidLoafCrisis]

Loved Neon Demon! Gloriously messed up

[@kubolor1234]

Neon Demon was its year's In Fabric.

[@maxinehayes7721]

Just watched it on DVD, borrowed from my local library. I thought it was great. The soundtrack, the imagery, was superb and totally absurd.

[@somthingbrutal]

so Christine with a dress ? ;)

[@alaninsoflo]

This sounds like my kind of film. Chances of it playing here in the US? Zero I'd say.

[@URBONED]

Its an a24 film, it should get a release

[@csjcsj2906]

There’s a US trailer on A24 channel.

[@Onmysheet]

US release has been announced for December.

[@mikeappleget482]

Secret Guy just watched it. LOVED it! I Highly recommend if you’re into arthouse type of films. 🤠

[@Steppin--]

It's on hbo but it's trash

[@parker75]

The shop mannequins reminded me of Umberto lenzi's movie Spasmo and Mario Bava's Hatchet for the Honeymoon.

[@mikeappleget482]

Felipe Andrade The mannequins reminded me a lot of Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange. And the music throughout the film reminded me of Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut and A Clockwork Orange. The “stings” were very reminiscent of ACO, while the the flowing, hypnotic music reminded me of EWShut. Great movie if you’re into arthouse type of films like I am! I just rented it on AppleTV and I loved it! Highly recommend.

[@saymyname218]

Amazing film....a must watch...the cast is pure genius by choice and the performance

[@TheJulioGulio]

No mention of Halloween 3 ? The TV sequence is a straight ripoff and i love it!

[@Onmysheet]

Nothing wrong with taking some ideas from other movies and making it better. I've just got around seeing this film and I loved everything about it. Had everything I expected.

[@TheJulioGulio]

@@Onmysheet I think you didnt read the other half of my comment...

[@Onmysheet]

Which half? And I did read it.

[@TheJulioGulio]

@@Onmysheet the half where I said I loved it

[@Onmysheet]

I'm not referring that you didn't.

[@andrewmoonbeam321]

Didn't Cavonovantimatta do the soundtrack to a few Dario Argento films?

[@owensjl65]

Mr Benn?

[@disenchanted987]

Sisterhood Of The Travelling Pain

[@roneteus]

Genius

[@davidmacgowan]

Strickland is fascinated by sound and soundtrack. Watch "Cold Meridian" on MUBI, which uses ASMR (Auto sensory meridian response). Fascinating and ground-breaking, but clear your ears out first.

[@rachelb-prospero8]

It was as mad as the entire Natural History Museum collection of frogs, but in a good way.

[@Fontsman]

An amazing film, with a sublime soundtrack.

[@roisingrant]

"Adonis will be waiting, and he will compliment you" is a CURSE because Aphrodite is a jealous goddess who rains her wrath upon anyone she deems competition. If Adonis's attention is turned, Aphrodite will turn against you!

[@channelvessel]

I felt this film was about aesthetic ontology or the aesthetic fact and it was great that this review picks up on the felt understanding within it. Also pleased that Simon didn't like the sound of it as he didn't get on with Devant either ❤️😜 loved this films analogue critique of digital culture.

[@jonny5779]

Good to know Mark likes Are You Being Served! I love that show!.

[@glyph2011]

This sounds amazing.. I wonder where it’s showing...?

[@SamDavies94]

I hated the sudden narrative switch halfway through the film, need to re watch it to fully appreciate it.

[@charleswatson7488]

Great dialogue from Miss Luckmoore

[@URBONED]

So excited for this and Kermode only made me more excited

[@Gos1234567]

This film was weirdness was the sake of being weird.Best bits were the two bosses,like something from a Harry Enfield sketch

[@AdrianMendoza23]

I will definitely be checking this out.

[@laoor3ntszia]

Found it hilarious and interesting. Enjoyed it.

[@seaofflowers.]

Ok can ANYONE explain those scenes about Reg Speaks' explaining washing machines as though it were something erotic??? Anyone????

[@BoHista23]

Beats me, that's the one part of the movie that left me just so confused.

[@lorenzog7445]

Sea of Flower's It’s meant to be a form of ASMR. Hence his name Reg Speaks

[@imcallingjapan2178]

Seemed to be the same thing as when the dept store women were waxing poetic about clothing and the retail experience, except it was about something completely functional rather than luxurious. The women in the store wove a spell that entranced people slowly and subtly in the experience of retail all around them, while the spell he wove talking about washign machines was simpler, blunter, cruder, and didn't last as long. Maybe because he clearly didn't like his job or enjoy talking about washing machines, he had no passion about it.

[@seaofflowers.]

@@imcallingjapan2178 interesting...

[@saymyname218]

Amazing film.....a must see

[@martincrodgers]

"Really?" Well played, Simon.

[@bartman999]

I thought he said Kevin of Antimatter.

[@eatallnowsavenone4later342]

Great review, it also reminded me of , The Fantastic Planet. I think it also showed how some people have fetishes about mannequins or necromancy. Jeffrey Dahmer, once stole a male mannequin from the store.

[@riclaudioolivas3912]

weird movie..the ghost are the tailors..

[@pablobratcat]

Just watched this. Where cam I get one of those hairy mannequins?

[@siena88]

Doesn't Peter Strickland looks like Pep Guardiola- a bit?

[@mdtys]

gotta see this

[@Thefamousgreen]

I just saw the movie. The movie was great!

[@my88110]

looking forward to this

[@MarvFitBikesKicks]

I’m all in A24 and weird stuff, but this one went beyond what I can tolerate 😅

[@Lynchbricks]

I loved it

[@ryebread9299]

Bizarre art film experience

[@thismorningcall]

Sounds great!!

[@shanstergoodheart5177]

This sounds good but so did Berberian Sound Studio and I hated that film with a passion

[@thePANDEMlC]

Her son was a teen? Dude likes 30. Thought he was early 20's, his gf looks even older.

[@paragoncumulus6636]

It was very funny. Loved it.

[@Char10tti3]

Cavanov Antimattor

[@martinaseidel3316]

a new strickland!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ladybug4885]

Good ish

[@funk541]

I'd recommend getting high before watching this movie.

[@Kkidzz]

Cavern of Anti-Matter

[@bobbyjackson1463]

YO... I JUST WATCHED THE MOVIE.... AND IT SUCKS.... OMG...WHERE DO I BEGIN... LET ME START OFF BY SAYING... I LOVE A24....I FUKS WITH THEM HEAVY.... AND ALSO.... EVER SINCE I SEEN THE TRAILER FOR IN FABRIC....I BEEN AWAITING ITS ARRIVAL.... FIRST LET ME SAY.... THIS MOVIE BREAKS OFF IN TWO PARTS.... WITH ONE BEING STRONGER THAN THE OTHER.... NOW TO THE DRESS ITSELF... LISTEN ... I DONT CARE IF THIS IS WHAT PPL CALL ART? THE MOVIE SUCKED.... AND BY THE WAY... ART CANNOT MAKE A MOVIE ALONE.....ITS ABSURD... I GOT SO THROWN OFF.. BY SO MUCH ARTSY SMARTSY... THAT I LOST FOCUS WITH THE PLOT....THAT SUCKS.... SO NOW.. IM WATCHING TO SEE HOW CAN THIS MOVIE AMUSE ME.... AND IT DIDNT... OOH...DID I MENTION THE SCENE WHEN THE MANNEQUIN VAGINA WITH A LAUGHABLE EXTRA HAIRY BUSCH VAGINA COMES TO LIFE AND BLEEDS...WHILE SOME OLD MAN JERKS OFF TO THE BLEEDING VAGINA..... LOL...I MUST SAY...IN SOME PARTS OF THE MOVIE IT DOES SUCCEED WITH COMEDY .. BUT THE OTHER HALF...OF THIS MOVIE IS LIKE WTF!!!!!! SO I GIVE THIS MOVIE.... FROM A 1 OUT 10..... A 5.6... ARTSY WEIRD CRAZY MUSIC ...ITS ALL THERE...(WATCH 4 YOURSELF..AND TELL ME WHAT U THINK?).

[@bobbyjackson1463]

Yo you want to do mannequin movies go back to Elijah's woodz Maniac that's the shitt.....6.2

[@seaofflowers.]

Agreed! I thought this movie would be great but it was just.......... It was such a joy to see that old dudes semen shoot out in 3 different shots at that scene you explained. Such...a....joy.....😔

[@SaintVodou]

A satire of the normally absurd but not funny fashion and retail business. On acid.

[@teejaye6226]

I understand now. I HATED Berbian Sound, one of the most boring films I have seen this century. And In Fabric supercedes that, this is a terrible film, I do not think I have ever disliked a film more. I will remember this director so I NEVER watch another one of his silly ass films.

[@andrewcollins4118]

Kermode Thumbs Up Mayo Thumbs Down

[@91hls]

I've seen it. Mayo was right, it was dreadful.

[@iramdin8827]

It was dreadful! Boring and not scary at all

[@domrice8628]

Iram Din I agree I only watched it because my favourite movie critic gave it 4 out of 5 and normally he is bang on the button with his reviews but this was the most boring movie I’ve ever seen I agree with you not scary or funny at all

[@leeannmansfield5254]

I really liked it and had to watch it to the end..im just just little confused what parts of rhe film are meant to mean...

[@Steppin--]

This movie was trash tbh

[@crow4634]

On this occasion sir, you are wrong. Whilst I regularly use you as a barometer of cinematic quality come the weekend, I am horrified by your plaudits of this ‘film’. This felt more like a failed A Level project. Make no mistake, it is poor, I was with it til the dress started dancing about and then it became laughable, and not in a good way. There was no heart and soul in this film, it felt wooden and scripted, like watching a bad school play. Julian Barrett single handedly rescued this film, giving it a 1 out of 10. Avoid

[@joshmaggooo7140]

Beyond all the artsy bollox it was garbage, including the plot. Seems like some lynch blue velvet suspiria addict art student got some money to make a film what a waste of time

[@hummens44]

👏 sounds great to me 👏

[@mrbojangle6118]

It's weird and rubbish.

[@Steppin--]

It's ok as a surrealist piece but it's a terrible movie