Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1181922
11 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 3 NOVEMBER 2019 CULTURE ENVIRONMENT the Shadow (2016) by ampli- fying a sense of threat lurk- ing in even the most basic of indoor settings. He cer- tainly does not walk the path of least resistance: beautiful sunlight bathes its way into most scenes, making the hor- ror even more of an uncom- fortable intrusion. This is a film that will not appeal to anyone even re- motely uncomfortable with cockroaches: so fair warning to all you roach-phobes out there. Neither will it play too well for those needing a clear-cut explanation to the weird go- ings on that would in a more conventioanlly-crafted fea- ture be explained away to- wards the end. But for those who have outgrown jump- scares and like the horror on offer to really get under their skin, Netflix has left you something truly creepy that should survive long after the Halloween celebrations have rung for their last trick or treat session of the year. HAMMER HAMMER TIME HAMMERED HAM SLAM ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ The recent rains brought out an inordinate number of snails, among which is the distinctive decollate snail, and you needn't be a mollusc geek to recognise this guy. Apart from the rather unusual black body, this snail's shell is cylindrical with the top part apparently missing, as though the animal had a nasty ac- cident. But it's no accident, because they're all like that in this species! Early on in its growth the snail knocks off the top end of its shell (hence 'decollate'), and guess what: nobody knows why. Although it eats some vegetation, the decollate snail (M. trajbu) is actually a predator and will consume other snails, slugs and their eggs. So if you want snail control in your garden you should encourage these guys to patrol your lettuce patch! Incidentally, it's called trajbu (presumably) because its shell looks a bit like the pillow on which Maltese lace is created. Text: Victor Falzon - Photo: Desirée Falzon 684. DECOLLATE SNAIL Armie Hammer and Dakota Fanning star as a troubled couple plunged into further weirdness by the seemingly harmless appearance of a stray mobile phone Visit Friends of the Earth's website for more information about our work, as well as for information about how to join us. You can also support us by sending us a donation - www.foemalta.org/donate GREEN IDEA OF THE WEEK 583: Find out more by visiting us on facebook: foemalta or on our website www.foemalta.org/events The verdict Boldly sticking to the source material's conviction, Wounds takes us through a wringer with an utterly un- likeable protagonist leading the way; a bold proposition that weirdly makes the ride just that little bit more com- pelling. Impeccably disturb- ing from start to finish, this is well-crafted post-Halloween entertainment that doesn't skimp on the thrills. Wounds is currently stream- ing on Netflix ★ ★ ★ ★ WOUNDS (16+)