Upon writing this review I have to premise my following thoughts by stating that I am a huge fan of everything that Ruth Wilson stars in and as such am fully prepared to admit that I may well have views this movie with Rose-tinted glasses on.
Throw into the mix that Osgood Perkins (son of actor, Anthony Perkins) who in his sophomore outing offers an atmospheric ‘vintage style’ horror that resonates and chills.
Much like his directorial debut, The Blackcoat’s Daughter, Perkins tells a slow-burn tale which is both it’s pro and con.
Fans of this style of storytelling will immerse themselves into the narrative whereas equally I can see how some viewers will and can struggle. Perhaps in some cases nod off to its sense of lull that barely registers a heartbeat in places.
In essence the story hinges on the performance of its lead, which brings me back to those aforementioned glasses and Ruth Wilson once again cuts a fine performance as Lily Saylor, a live-in nurse who status to suspect that her elderly employees house maybe haunted.
Carrying the lions share of the screen throughout the 87min running time, Wilson weaves an intriguing character who appears to suit the lifestyle of a ‘loner’ and through her character delves into the history of the house and its owner which slowly unravels a mystery where she may not return from.
Whilst watching this film, it’s easy to see why it has been likened to the works of David Lynch and Stanley Kubrick with its rich stylisation.
Whilst it might not be for everyone, Perkins paints a story that stays firmly in the mind and from this writers perspective, is fast becoming a director to keep firm tabs on.
I wouldn’t be surprised if we followed see some awards thrown his way down the track if he continues on this kind of trajectory.
- Paul Farrell
