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Estranged
UK 2015
produced by William Borthwick, Steven Schneider (executive), Jessica Malik (executive), Tyrone Walker-Hebborn (executive), Jessica Parker (executive), Paris Kasidokostas Latsis (executive), Terry Dougas (executive) for Face Films, Pari Passu Films, Northern Film & Media
directed by Adam Levins
starring James Cosmo, Amy Manson, Nora-Jane Noone, Craig Conway, James Lance, Simon Quarterman, Eileen Nicholas, Joy Sanders, Bob Duff, Faye McLoughlin
story by Simon Fantauzzo, William Borthwick, screenplay by Simon Fantauzzo, music by Mark Binder, Brian Crosby, special effects by Scott McIntyre
review by Mike Haberfelner
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As a consequence of a motorbike accident, January (Amy Manson) is left
wheelchair-bound and suffering from amnesia, remembering nothing from the
time before her accident. Her boyfriend Callum (Simon Quarterman), who
loves her very much (but who also was responsible for the accident) thinks
it's best to bring her back to her family to help her regain her memories.
While they were together, January has never told Callum about her family -
impoverished nobility living in a decaying mansion in the countryside -,
and once they have arrived, Callum soon sees why ... they all behave
totally odd, seem less interested in getting January back to health than
to see she's behaving according to her class, let her and Callum feel that
they don't approve of the relationship and the life they've been living,
and so on. Callum figures staying with the family is still the best for
January - but the memories just refuse to cme back to her, only haunting
pictures that seem to have nothing to do with reality. January doesn't
feel at all at home where she's supposed to be home ... and then all of a
sudden, Callum is gone, without even saying good bye, and all her father
(James Cosmo) tells her is that he has left upon the family's suggestion -
but January doesn't at all believe this is true, and with Callum gone, her
dad, her mum (Eileen Nicholas), her sister (Nora-Jane Noone) and her
brother (James Lance) turn more and more against her, and only the family
butler (Craig Conway) seems to be on her side ... but really can't do much
due to loyalty to the family. But he provides her with the one clue
detailing in what danger she really is. But after an unsuccessful escape
attempt, things only get much much worse ... Estranged
is a very likeable little horror movie that really leaves one guessing
until the end while taking one on a regular downward spiral created via
tense filmmaking, proper pacing and atmospheric sets and setpieces much
more than via pure spectacle. And without seeming in the least bit
old-fashioned, it is reminiscent of British psycho horror flicks from the
1960s and 70sthat also put general creepiness above everything else. Now
add to that a really good cast ... and you're left with a really good
movie, simple as that.
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