A Grieving Man and a Grave New World
Karsh (Vincent Cassel) has been completely grief-stricken and devastated ever since his wife Becca (Diane Kruger) died. His grief is so potent that even his teeth are being gnawed away by it. Karsh is a highly skilled and intelligent individual with many pursuits and interests, particularly in matters of both business and modern technology. He has developed a new type of technology, works as a producer on Industrial videos, and is the proud owner of a restaurant located in a cemetery that he partly owns.
The Shrouds: Mourning Meets Modern Innovation
At the cemetery, Karsh’s newly designed technological advancement- a burial shroud- is in full effect. Burial shrouds are not your typical grave with a tombstone. Instead, the tombstone has been replaced by a large screen which allows people to see their loved one in the grave. As Karsh describes it, it’s essentially enveloping a camera in a grave, or more accurately, is akin to an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan. Among the tombs is Karsh’s own wife, Becca. Thanks to his technology, Karsh can see her decaying body and perform a virtual 3D rotation, making it feel like he’s with her in the grave. In death, he’s just as involved in seeing her body as if she were alive, and being able to see Becca through the Shrouds brings him contentment.
Strange Clues and New Suspicions
But when Karsh visits Becca’s sister, Terry (also played by Diane Kruger), new evidence and theories emerge. Terry feels that while Becca was in the hospital, the staff constantly acted strangely, as if they were conducting experimental treatments, treating her like a guinea pig or perhaps some lab rat. While Karsh would usually not entertain such talk, he recently noticed something strange in the recent 3D imagery of Becca, particularly around her nose, and Terry suggests it could be a tracking device.
A Devastating Act of Vandalism
But having newfound suspicions is the least of Karsh’s worries. Karsh soon receives word that the Shrouds in his cemetery have been mysteriously destroyed, including Becca’s. Karsh’s clients can no longer see their loved ones, and there’s no apparent reason for this to have happened, nor has there been any ransom demanded. Assisting Karsh with the personal investigation is Maury (Guy Pearce), who was previously married to Terry and is highly tech-savvy. Can Karsh find out who destroyed the Shrouds and why, along with fully understanding the mysteries surrounding Becca’s death?
David Cronenberg Returns with Sci-Fi Dread
The Shrouds is a thriller and sci-fi film that combines moments of drama with elements of body horror. The film was written and directed by David Cronenberg. When it comes to the genre of all things horror, sci-fi and thriller, David Cronenberg is no stranger, and his past films include The Fly (1986), Videodrome (1983), Crash (1996), and Crimes of the Future (2002), all of which he wrote and directed.
High Concepts and Bleak Atmosphere
I’m pleased to announce that, once again, David Cronenberg continues to deliver innovative concepts and outstanding sci-fi elements on the big screen. The entire storyline is different, fresh, and highly unique, with vibes reminiscent of a neo-noir type of mystery to be unravelled. One of the most exciting aspects of the film, introduced early on, is its sci-fi elements, which quickly give viewers a firm understanding of the central mystery. This includes the various tech that Karsh uses around him, along with his fascinating reason for creating The Shrouds. I admire David Cronenberg’s work here as a director, as the film feels bleak and tragic, with some scenes fitting Karsh’s dark inner thoughts. Actor Vincent Cassel is quite likable in the lead role. Although the viewer may disagree with his thought process and reasoning, he still commands the screen, and his moments of drama are also compelling and extraordinary.
A Slow-Burn Mystery That Falters at the End
However, while The Shrouds delivers a great mystery and introduction to this futuristic world and its concepts, its conclusions and the film’s final moments are easily the least rewarding aspect of the entire movie. The conclusion and reveals that are often conveyed through lengthy lines of dialogue usually feel less exciting and impactful, and some reveals are ultimately decided by the viewer’s interpretation alone. Given the two-hour runtime and investment, I couldn’t help but feel that the climax needed to be far greater than the final result. As the film credits rolled, I felt incomplete and yearned for more answers than the film and director were willing to provide.
Final Thoughts
The Shrouds (2024) will be Avaialble in Australian Cinemas from July 3rd!
Published: 29th June 2025
Written by: Peter Walkden
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