Could a feline owning film infantilist with a fetish for Harrison Ford be a serial killer?

CAT PERSON will have you guessing.

With the visceral appeal of a Val Lewton B movie, CAT PERSON teases and tears at the terror of dating in the digital age.

Twenty year old Uni student Margot studies anthropology but has a lot to learn about humans. When she meets the 33 year old Robert at the revival cinema where she works, they strike up an awkward rapport and she gives him her number. They commence a flirtatious back and forth over text and Margot is pleased that Robert seems responsive and witty.

An impromptu visit to her campus work station has Margot wondering if this is creepy behaviour or a show of romantic gallantry on Robert’s behalf. The laboratory feel of the place, its close quarters claustrophobic vibe, feeds into the sweet sentiment versus suspicious intent scenario.

Yet with serious misgivings, Margot continues to engage with Robert through text messages which culminates in a disastrous first date.

He’s a sloppy, slobbering smoocher. Why even contemplate getting in the sack with him? The icky mouth mauling scene brought squeals from the audience I attended with creating a truly immersive cinematic experience.

CAT PERSON is a film dappled in the dichotomy of dating expectations between genders, the juxtaposition of potential romance and possible rejection, presented as a genre film, posing pensively provocative questions.

Directed by Susanna Fogel with a deft eye and ear for genre, CAT PERSON boasts a screenplay by Michelle Ashford based on the short story by Kirsten Roupenian. Readers of the original source material may be polarised by the third act attached to the film adaptation, but to me it works just fine within the parameters of the script.

The short story inflamed controversy, and the movie should spark vigorous debate while delivering an entertaining genre movie to boot.