Götz Spielmann’s compelling, knottily plotted suspense tale “Revanche” (Revenge) was Austria’s 2008 Foreign Language Film nominee for an Academy Award. His narrative prowess makes for a keen addition to the Austrian film scene, without the dour audience-baiting of much of Michael Haneke’s work or the garish outrage of semi-documentarian Ulrich Seidl. Yet there is a similar precision in his eye: the world of cities, rooms and the great unknown of nature is calibrated for maximum narrative punch in his story of revenge gone awry. Visually, “Revanche” offers beauty to the viewer that elevates its turns far above the genre of psychological thrillers: the desperation of low life in contemporary Europe is etched with compassion. The plot contrasts two couples, and the turns in their interactions are best left outside the confines of synopsis: Spielmann understands how to deepen, enrich this familiar narrative with elegant surprises. And the sterling performances by the entire cast ripple outward, onward, for weeks after you’ve seen “Revanche.” Martin Gschlacht’s cinematography is quietly epic. 121m. Anamorphic 2.40 widescreen. (Ray Pride)
Opening Friday at the Music Box.
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