The Ninth (2019)

Director: Nikolay Khomeriki

Starring: Evgeniy Tsyganov, Daisy Head, Dmitriy Lysenkov

Petersburg at the end of the 19th century was embraced by a massive enthusiasm for the occult sciences and esotericism. British medium Olivia Reed arrives in the capital of the Russian Empire on tour and gathers crowds of people at her public spiritualistic sessions. At this time, a series of ritual mysterious murders takes place in the city. Girls are abducted on the streets, their mutilated bodies are found in various parts of the city. The investigation is carried out by a young police officer Rostov and his assistant Ganin. With each new victim, things are becoming more confused. Suspicion leads Rostov to Olivia, and he decides to turn to her in the hope that her genuine or imaginary ability to summon the spirits of the dead can help to get on the trail of the killer.

‘The Ninth’ appear to be supernatural, but it is actually a very plausible mystery thriller – with a difference. The director carefully kept the ‘supernatural’ elements very subtle. I also enjoyed the setting in the 19th Century, making everything more believable.

This is a classic who dunnit murder mystery thriller. The killings are a bit graphic, as the killer mutilates each victim according to images from a book. However, the film never becomes bloody or gory. A medium helps the police, and discovers the killings are part of a ritual, and linked to her past.

‘The Ninth’ is visually stunning with crisp clear photography and wonderful visuals and cinematography. The actors also did a great job – especially Evgeniy Tsyganov as Detective Rostov, whom I really enjoyed in this role. ‘The Ninth’ was better than expected, and kept me guessing until the end. Very good indeed.

‘The Ninth’ received an award nomination for Best Cinematography in a Feature Film’.

In Russian.

Would I watch it again? Yes.