Change Your Image
jon_dolan2000
Reviews
We Are the Missing (2020)
Brilliantly creepy supernatural documentary with a real feel
The premise behind the film is a documentary about people mysteriously disappearing. It starts off examining the case of Riley Madison who has vanished from her home. Her story is told via her parents and friend and their efforts to find her. Information is dripped out and begins to take a very creepy turn. As the film goes on it turns out Riley isn't the only one to have vanished, it becomes a widespread problem throughout the town of D'Arcadia and the more questions that are answered the more frightening and helpless the situation feels.
The cast were all fantastic. Everybody was so natural and believable which made the film even more chilling. They really put across the fear and anguish of having a loved one disappear and make you engage with them. Innocent information given earlier in the film is returned to later on when it's significance becomes apparent. Andrew has built a believable world which draws you in and unsettles you as you learn more about the cause. One aspect I did enjoy was an urban legend built into the story. It's details like that which show an amazing imagination and really give the setting a real world grounding. It also does well in peppering potential causes for the disappearances throughout.
It's a slow build film and is more tell than show. That works in its favour though as there's ideas left to run through your imagination which are more frightening than if they were shown on screen. I noticed one of the influences was controversial BBC Halloween drama Ghostwatch and I had the same feeling of mounting dread watching this as I did back in 92 watching Ghostwatch for the first time.
I really enjoyed watching this film. It just shows you don't need a huge budget and CGI creatures to make a good, compelling scary film. Huge props to Andrew Robinson and all the cast. Highly recommended and I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.
The Unkindness of Ravens (2016)
The Raven warriors are coming for your eyes
I took a chance a couple of years ago by throwing a few quid on Kickstarter on a spooky looking film called "Lord Of Tears". This was one of the best things I did as it was exactly the sort of atmospheric horror/ghost story that I've wanted for a long time. When I saw the campaign for this follow up film there was no hesitation in adding to the funding. Today I received my copy......
Like Lord Of Tears/The Owlman there's a very isolated feel to the film. The protagonist spends the majority of the film alone in a cottage surrounded by bleak misty hills, fields and forests. It's established that he's an ex soldier living rough. We learn over the course of the film just how much of a toll Afghanistan took on him. He's dealing with PTSD from the things he saw and experienced. The titular Ravens soon appear to torment and push him into madness. He ends up dragged into a living hell where the Ravens have claimed other damaged soldiers. Unfortunately these have already suffered the tortures of the Raven warriors (who have a penchant for eye removal). From this point he either has to face his demons or remain trapped in their realm.
It's an intelligent film with a lot to say about how the experiences of war can affect our troops. It's easy to see the Raven warriors as a metaphor for the creeping depression that can so easily take hold of men and women who've seen the unspeakable horrors of war. The Ravens themselves are visually imposing and an excellent design for the film.
It has a vibe of the original Wicker Man due to it's surroundings and gentle music (another high point). I also got the feel of one of the old BBC Christmas Ghost stories whilst watching it (but that's more me than the film as it's that time of year). It's a film that will stay with me for a couple of days and probably deserves multiple watches to let it all soak in.
There's a definite talent and vision behind The Owlman and The Unkindness Of Ravens which is sadly lacking in today's horror industry. Thank god for Lawrie Brewster and Sarah Daly for their atmospheric, haunting and creepy productions. I can't wait to see what they come up with next.
Lord of Tears (2013)
There should be more films like this
Dark, Creepy, Foreboding. This is how horror films should be made.
The story deals with a mans childhood recollections of a mysterious creature that used to torment him. After the passing of his mother he travels back to his childhood home where the memories he once buried are about to rise again.
The setting is a remote Scottish manor house, the cast is minimal and the atmosphere is thick with tension. The mystery is unravelled slowly but is all the more interesting for it. The twist in the tale caught me totally off guard. Once it was revealed though it becomes quite chilling and the supernatural element is ramped up.
The Owl man is a menacing figure. His history is elaborated on which gives depth to the character. He's not a slasher figure which makes a refreshing change these days. He radiates menace and is certain of the fact that those marked will become his prey.
I can't praise this film enough. It does remind me of films like The Wicker Man and Salems Lot. There's a lot of day time scenes in which everything seems very jolly. There's always the underlying threat that once night falls bad things will happen. A great concept incorporating Pagan imagery and using a fantastically original new creature.
This film deserves to go mainstream. If you're looking for a horror film which goes back to it's roots, then please do check this out.
Stalled (2013)
Zombie movie with heart
Having been aware of Dan Palmer and Christian James, with their debut feature Freak Out, I was looking forward to seeing their new film STALLED. Described as Phone Booth meets Evil Dead, STALLED takes the concept of being stuck in a confined space with no visible escape and runs with it. What sets it apart from other zombie films is that is has a great deal of heart. You learn about the characters lives and they too learn about themselves. I found that, although the concept lends itself to all kinds of lowbrow gags and knowing winks, it avoids them and plays it pretty straight up. That's not to say it's a totally serious film, there are some real laugh out loud parts. The dialogue is incredibly funny and there's a healthy amount of red stuff splashed about the place.
I saw this at the 2013 Frightfest weekend in London. I enjoyed it a great deal and will definitely be going to see it again when it finally gets an official UK release. I believe it has a limited run in Cinemas and VOD in October. Since I'm visiting Orlando for a holiday then I will definitely be checking to see if this is playing whilst I'm over there.
There were certain parts which stayed with me, and made me laugh, long after I'd left the cinema. The only downside is that I really want to re watch it again. Unfortunately until an official release comes along I'll have to wait.
Highly recommended.
Freak Out (2004)
What it lacks in budget it more than makes up for in imagination
Hollywood Horror and comedy film makers could do worse than taking a tip from these guys. It just shows that with a little imagination, you can come up with a brilliant film without big effects etc. From start to finish the film was hysterically funny, there were so many subtle jokes that you'll miss (the sticker saying Just Punishment on the side of the girls wheelchair at the beginning for example). Okay it's not PC, but usually the funniest things aren't. It's clear that these guys love the genre they're spoofing, making it much better than Hollywood fare like the Scream movies. Highly recommended and I hope that we see plenty more of Merv and Onkey.