Crocodile Headed KNIFER Plagues Greece

Add Yannis Economides to the growing list of Greek directors turning out odd and oddly compelling dramas sure to perplex on the festival circuit. Giorgos Lanthimos currently leads that particular group thanks to Dogtooth with Athina Tsangari not far behind thanks to Attenberg but the pair of them have now got a crocodile headed man nipping at their heels.

The latest from Economides is Μαχαιροβγάλτης, a film going out internationally as Knifer.

Niko is an ordinary guy without any ambitions. His father's sudden death brings back his uncle who proposes to live and work together with him and his wife in the suburbs of Athens. Niko accepts his uncle's offer, which consists of protecting two purebred dogs from the hostile neighbours. Driven by envy, lust and anger, Niko merges into a vicious circle of perpetual antagonism, the struggle for power over others and discontent.

The first trailer - English friendly, even - has arrived on the official website and it looks to neatly straddle the line between arthouse and cult affair. Strange and compelling stuff.