A leisurely-paced ghost story set in broken-down locations; this features understated performances which take precedence over special effects. We get to know the characters and are given good reason to care about them once they are in danger. Carmen (Elarica Johnson) appears initially cold and distant; Timmy (Clem Tibber) is a vulnerable loner trapped in a volatile life; his father Mark (Shaun Dingwell) forever chasing the elusive dream and never quite reaching it. Timmy's mum Sarah (Lyndsey Marshal) is either insane or saner than anyone. They are a fascinating combination, and their twisting, turning story, is embellished with minimal, mostly monosyllabic communication - as if they don't really want to speak at all.
The sound design is equally minimal - little more than a consistent low moan of night winds lurking through decaying corridors. Very effective and very spooky.
This is a slow film which doesn't get any better. The relationship between Timmy and his father is quite interesting at first and you are waiting for the tension to build, but the film focuses more on their relationship than the goings on in the flat.
I was really quite disappointed with this. Calling it a horror is taking liberties and I think that is what disappointed me, because I was truly expecting a good scary film and it just wasn't. So long as you bear that in mind then you might like it for the character development.
The ending - and I'm not going to spoil it for you - is also a letdown. I didn't understand it and it felt like a cop out. Completely unrealistic.
This is a forgettable film.
The trailer for this little-known British horror flick makes it look like a bog-standard jump-scare bore, but believe me when I tell you that this is a dark gem with a unique premise and brilliant actors. It casts a potent, chilly spell on the viewer and succeeds at depicting the spooky nature of derelict spaces - the makers of Candyman could have done with taking a few grace notes from this. A neat, yet sad coda makes this a ghost story with a difference.
Those looking for a shriek-a-minute film like Final Destination or The Grudge will be unimpressed by this, but those who like good characterisation, an imaginative storyline and note-perfect acting from the entire cast, then this is the ghost story you've been waiting for.
This one will linger.