A woman links her mother's increasingly volatile
behavior to an evil presence at their family's decaying country home.
Director: Natalie Erika James
Cast: Emily Mortimer, Robyn Nevin, Bella Heathcote, Jeremy Stanford,
Chris Bunton
Release Date: July 3, 2020
Genres: Drama, Horror
Rated R for some horror violence/disturbing images, and language
Runtime: 1h 29min
Review:
Natalie Erika James debut film is an impressively crafted horror film
that works smartly as an allegory for real life issues. Her film heavy on atmosphere and light on
cheap jump scares which works in the film’s favor. Its Spartan use of jump scares makes the few
that pop up all the more effective. This
story itself runs thru some standard haunted house/ghost story tropes but here
you can feel a lot more weight in their actual meaning. The cast is all understated but effective
throughout with the trio of actresses displaying some impressive chemistry
together. Emily Mortimer, Robyn Nevin
& Bella Heathcote all bring an air of authenticity and emotions to the
entire proceedings. Each interaction is
believably heavy with subtext with very little said outright but there are
lingering wounds that are heavily implied.
As is the case with most of these types of films the build up is better
than the climax with the finale leaving multiple story threads left
unresolved. Regardless, it’s hard not to
appreciate the high level of craftsmanship and talent on display throughout.
B
