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:

insanity | murder | rebellious daughter | reference to lizzie borden | incestuous overtones | 

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Taglines:

Some Fairy Tales Can Be Deadly

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Genres:

Horror | Mystery | Thriller

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Certificate:

Not Rated

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 Grand Theft Auto (1997)

User Reviews

Solid British

The Toybox was a really good watch. It bought together visual tastiness with a juicy narrative and, at the risk of this sounding like a junior cookbook recipe, created a creamy dose of well needed British horror.

I especially like the inclusion of animations withing the film. It helped to create a certain tone that was held throughout.

There are some random moments like unexpected clowns appearing from nowhere but this helps to control the films unique identity by leaving some questions unanswered.

The movie includes some quality acting from the likes of Suzanne Bertish and although not all of the other actors could keep up this pace none created a noticeable let down for me.

I can definitely recommend this for a decent watch

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 April 2005 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Hertfordshire, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

GBP100,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Brandnew Films, Leopard Film Entertainment

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Stereo (RCA Sound System)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1