Declared as ‘The most haunted house in England’, by Harry Price, who happened to be one of the earlier pioneers in paranormal research and along with that statement, The Borley Rectory has been embedded in the psyche of anyone with an interest in things that go bump in the night.

Question marks have been raised about the authenticity of Mr Price proclamation and certain suggestions have been raised about his character with some even suggesting that he was a charlatan, out for profit. Especially when he penned a series of books on the subject.

Questions aside, the history of The Borley Rectory is certainly a strange one and one can only study its background and discover that it’s an odd place where curious and unexplainable things have occurred.

So it’s little wonder that no one has really documented the history before.

Well thankfully director Ashley Thorpe had that curiosity and passion to explore the stories that have decorated The Borley Rectory over the years and transformed it into what can only be described as a masterpiece of filmmaking.

Thorpe is able to transform the mystery and suspense and present the viewer with a unique style of documentary using his own blend of animation.

The style and manner of the film not only flows with ease but could also craft a new and exciting way to present historical documentaries for the digital generation.

Guiding us along the way is the delicate tones of Julian Sands who narrates the tales and characters journeys throughout the film.

The ensemble cast too are simply amazing and deftly underplay their roles to perfection.
Nods especially go out to Jonathan Rigby as Harry Price, Reece Shearsmith (The League of Gentlemen) as V.C. Wall, and Nicholas Vince (Hellraiser) ad Rev. Smith.

The Diagnosis:
With Borley Rectory, Thorpe captures the eeriness whilst also staying informative and engaging. At times the screen feels like it is breathing with a life of its own and lifts the viewer from scene with a sense of unease.

– Paul Farrell

Catch the screening of Borley Rectory at the A Night of Horror Film Festival.

Screening times and tickets available below:

SUNDAY 3rd DECEMBER – 3PM
Buy Ticket from Dendy Newtown Cinemas here.

Ashley Thorpe interview

https://player.whooshkaa.com/player/episode/id/157913?visual=true&sharing=true