In what can only be described as a shockingly twisted film, Antichrist delivers a cinematic experience that stays with the viewer long after the film has concluded.

The controversial film focuses on the tragic death of a couple's young child. The mother, struggling to cope with the loss, falls into a deep depression. Her therapist husband decides to try exposure therapy and takes her to a place called Eden that he thinks is the root of her fears. Antichrist is a horrifying portrayal of gender and marriage politics, emotional breakdown, and yet, is one of the most unique and divisive horror films ever made.

The film stars Willem Dafoe as He, who delivers an excellent performance. It is not surprising that Dafoe embraced this character, as I often think of Dafoe in relation to his offbeat and bizarre character choices. His role in Antichrist earned him the Bodil Award for Best Actor, the Danish film awards highest honour.

His wife in the film, Charlotte Gainsbourg as She, also ups the ante. After Antichrist premiered at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival, Gainsbourg won the festival's award for Best Actress. The French actress delivers a performance of a lifetime. Her demonically haunted personality moving from sadistic to bizarre is stunning to watch.

It's not hard to imagine what director Lars von Trier was trying to accomplish, molding a frighteningly good film with a wonderful attention to cinematography. While the film has been criticized for the level of violence, it is hard to turn away as viewers are pushed to a level of squeamish that most horror films can't get to without copious amounts of gore and blood. The horror is more than just blood and violence; it also delivers in the all-important psychological aspect.

Released on DVD this week, Antichrist is chock full of extras that allows viewers of the film into von Trier's world as he put the film together. The director's voice over the film allows viewers an inside look that is not only appreciated but welcomed as well.

Dafoe and Gainsbourg have their own interview segments that don't disappoint either. There's a look into the casting of the movie and how the set came to be as well, along with a number of goodies that will provide a great deal of entertainment long after watching the DVD.

This DVD isn't for everyone, but if you like exceptional horror and thriller movies that move beyond the typical "slasher" flick that seems to find its way into theatres routinely, you'll enjoy watching this film. But take heed of the warning on the cover of this DVD, its graphic nature isn't for everyone.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars