‘Bully’, written and directed by Siegfried Pöll, is a gripping psychological thriller that takes place within the tense confines of an office meeting room late at night. Paul (Paul Peham) arrives for a job interview, but what unfolds is anything but ordinary. The host (Reinhard Scholda) gradually unravels a disturbing interrogation centered around Paul’s past, particularly his connection to the host’s son, a former classmate. Despite Paul’s protests of not remembering, the host is insistent, hinting at something more sinister lurking beneath the surface.
The film’s static yet highly skilled cinematography reflects the oppressive atmosphere, capturing the claustrophobia of the meeting room where Paul finds himself trapped. As the night progresses, the tension escalates. Pöll’s direction shines in the subtle, psychological play between the two men, with each exchange becoming a battleground of manipulation and power dynamics.
The sound design adds another layer of intensity to the narrative, punctuating the quiet moments with sharp, unnerving cues. The inclusion of Matej (Ante Pavkovic), a silent yet menacing figure, introduces an additional layer of dread towards the film’s conclusion.
A game of mental chess unfolds, as Paul slowly realizes that the “interview” is a mere pretext for revenge – rooted in homophobic violence from his past. The host’s probing questions, combined with the eerie presence of a recording phone on a tripod, give the film a nightmarish, mind-bending quality.
With its sharp, gritty execution, ‘Bully’ offers a tense and haunting exploration of guilt, revenge, and psychological warfare. Unmissable.
