This film is a faithful, high budget adaptation of the 1947 movie of the same name. It’s a compelling depiction of a tawdry, base, cruel story with an ending that approaches psychological horror. The style is not the fun-creepy defunct carnival that I had hoped for, but more of a grimy, despicable underbelly of society style. Its narrative is winding and sometimes loses its way, but ultimately delivers an unforgettable, twisted morality tale.

Closest comparison: It’s like Detour by way of The Devil’s Backbone.

Setting: Noir
Plot: Self-Made Ruin
Tone: Thriller