The Toybox (2005)

It all began so innocently for two children growing up in the deepest countryside, their imaginations set ablaze by a book on local myths and legends. Berenice convinces her younger brother... See full summary »

Director:

Paolo Sedazzari

Writer:

Paolo Sedazzari

Stars:

Alexander Abadzis, Russell Barnes, Suzanne Bertish

2 wins.

Cast

Credited cast:
Alexander Abadzis	...	Jake the Midfolker
Russell Barnes	...	Grandpa Alan
Suzanne Bertish	...	Madeline Usher
Sara Bispham	...	Young Berenice
Heather Chasen	...	Eleanora Usher
Les Dungar	...	Uncle Reg
Peter Ellis	...	The Vicar
Dom Gallagher	...	Ambulancemen
Craig Henderson	...	Conrad
Elliott Jordan	...	Brian Usher
William Lockhart	...	The Clown
Simon Mason	...	Sgt. Barry Brice
Minnie	...	Black Shuck
Claudine Spiteri	...	Berenice Usher
Christopher Terry	...	Rod Usher

Storyline

It all began so innocently for two children growing up in the deepest countryside, their imaginations set ablaze by a book on local myths and legends. Berenice convinces her younger brother Brian that she is the reincarnation of a witch with the powers to put everything right. As they grow up Brian becomes emotionally dependent on his sister, so that when she returns to the family home for Christmas with her new boyfriend he feels totally betrayed. At the same time a man strongly resembling the mythical Jake the Mid-Folker is closing in. An overwhelming sense of impending horror surrounds the house, but is the enemy outside - or is the enemy within?

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Plot Keywords:

brandnew films | the toybox

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Taglines:

It all began so Innocently

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Genres:

Horror

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 April 2005 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Hertfordshire, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

£100,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Brandnew Films, Leopard Film Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

81 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo (RCA Sound System)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The snow seen in the latter part of the movie was completely unexpected. The shooting schedule was re-written in order to film exterior chase and death sequences to great effect.

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Connections

References Surprise Surprise! (1984)

User Reviews

First rate modern British horror

From the very beginning the film has you in its morbid and twisted grip. A story of myth and legends set against the solitude of the Norfolk countryside, it has all the hallmarks of a very modern British horror. This film snaps along at a cracking pace never giving you a moment to gather yourself together.

Elliot Jordan, who plays Brian Usher, has real screen presence that you simply cannot take your eyes away from him, and you'd be advise not too as his character descends into what proves to be a fatal spiral of madness and carnage for all concerned. Brian's sister Berenice and is played by Claudine Spiteri, she brings a real sense of glamour to the rather stark and bleak surroundings. More importantly for me Claudine has something 'other worldly about her', she positively resonates on the screen. But for me the show is stolen just ever so slightly by the vampish Madeline Usher, their mother and played by Suzanne Bertish with consummate skill and with such reality I would find it hard to say where the smouldering, drinking mother ends and Suzanne begins – she simply inhabits the role and makes it her own.

The Direction is assured and the editing never once allows the pace to wander. Considering this was shot digitally it has nothing other than a film feel. THe colours are lush and vibrant. The snow tinged exteriors are wonderful.

Watch out for the dinner party scene, it's brilliant. Here we have Berenice's timid boyfriend Conrad played perfectly by Craig Henderson. it is a typical family meal of bickering but it feels like a car crash happening with poor Conrad becoming the object of Madeline's desire. As the drink flows and Madeline's blouse plunges you feel nothing but pity for the shy Conrad, to the extent that you will want to cover your eyes with discomfort, the tension here is palpable. Family gatherings, we've all been there!

I would certainly recommend this film you certainly won't be disappointed.