In Ocrun Behram’s The Funeral, a hearse driver gets far more than he bargained for when he takes on an undercover task. Cemal (Ahmet Rifat Sungar) spends his life driving the dead to their final resting places. Then, one day, he is tasked with transporting the body of a young woman, Zeynep (Cansu Türedi). Everything about the job is shrouded in secrecy, but with a job being a job, Cemal accepts. A few hours in, she realises that this gig might not be that easy, as Zeynep isn’t entirely dead.
Turkey is not a country particularly well known for producing horror stories. A quick Google of genre films belonging to the country yields few results, but all because some is a rare occurrence, does not mean that it shouldn’t be ventured into. Writer and director Orcun Behram infuses a great deal of tension into The Funeral. Even before Zeynep’s more lively self is discovered, there is an air of dread that permeates the film. This is thanks in part to Cemal’s lonely life. Estranged from his family and with the dead as his primary social circle, Cemal is a quiet, introverted, and isolated man. This is fed across the screen through a muted colour palette and near empty soundscape.
Once Cemal has Zeynep under his care, the fear factor is truly realised. As he drives around, he can hear a repeated strange strangled cry. This sound is captured beautifully; the sound design slithers around the viewer and makes the hair stand on end. Cemal quickly figures out Zeynep’s ghoulish nature, but rather than be appalled, he is transfixed. Their relationship begins to mirror that seen in Let the Right One In, but Cemal is much more complicit in the actions that unfurl.
Part supernatural riddle, part serial killer thriller, part twisted romance, The Funeral isn’t afraid to paint broad strokes with its tones or themes. In doing so Behram creates a genre film that is simultaneously recognisable and utterly unique. Their catalogue might be modest, but The Funeral is easily the crowning jewel in Turkey’s horror crown. Taut and tense with plenty of atmosphere and an overwhelming air of loneliness and anguish, The Funeral points to a very exciting future for both Behram and Turkish cinema.
The Funeral
Summary
This Turkish horror has plenty working for it. Writer and director Ocrun Behram captures isolation, anguish and horrors perfectly.
The Funeral was reviewed at FrightFest Glasgow 2024.
