I think this film is something of a mixed bag. It has a great deal of potential which it doesn't quite live up to.
The basic idea is quite interesting and different. It's an idiosyncratic take on the horror fantasy genre. The realisation doesn't quite live up to the idea.
At first I thought the pacing was too slow initially. I should make clear that I'm not a gorehound or a viewer who wants frenetic shock tactics. I welcome the slower more leisurely build up.
The problem is not with the pacing- for me at least- many horror fans will probably find it slow. The problem is not with the script- although some of the dialogue is a little awkward.
The problem is certainly not with the technical aspects. Simon Aitken and his crew seem to know what they want and are capable of achieving that result.
The thing that takes this movie from a solid seven to a below average four is the actors. They're just not good enough. Most of them seem to be reciting their lines from a card. None of them have the charisma to be leads in a feature film.
It's frustrating that what could have been a nice little debut film is rendered unsatisfying by poor performances that seem more like dictating a letter than playing a role.
Ultimately I think Simon Aitken has a future in this industry and I wish him well with it. I hope to see more of his individualistic and imaginative vision.He just needs to take a little more care with casting in the future.
