A Curious Tale (2021) User Reviews

Unsettling and unusual

[ryanvox · 9/10 · 4 January 2022]

If you're into independent low-budget filmmaking and after something that takes it's time, prioritising mood and a celebration of the South-East of England over a rushed story, A Curious Tale is something you may be curious about! It's the kind of thing that you can't help but keep watching to see what happens next and to whom... a fun, clever take on an old folk-tale deeply rooted in it's appreciation of the lore and legend of it's much-revered setting.

At times spooky and often David Lynch-ian in it's oddness, it carries a vibe that is uncomfortable yet fascinating. Very entertaining and a great effort from filmmaker Leigh Tarrant.

If you go down to the woods today..

[Got_Your_Pig_Snacks · 8/10 · 12 November 2022]

I have only recently come across the term Folk Horror, but A Curious Tale would no doubt belong to this genre of film. Based on local folklore and filmed in the glorious English countryside, director Leigh Tarrant has an eye for capturing the beauty of the rural locations, whilst at the same time creating an atmosphere that wants you to get back to the big city as soon as possible.

Some good character actors portraying a story of death and hidden treasure, this is less than an hour in length, so no sense of drag. Because of this it has the feel of one the classic Hammer House of Horror stories or Tales of the Unexpected.

I won't give anything else away, suffice to say some treasure should stay buried!

A Charming 'Britflick' thriller!

[ebarrington-75319 · 9/10 · 28 February 2022]

I've watched many of this directors films and have followed his work these past ten years or so, so its a joy to see he has now moved into an all new genre of film making, that being, an old english ghost story. Much of his previous work has been 'musical' - so this is a real getaway from his usual film escapades. I'm therefore pleased to say that this film really works, which is greatly lead by its sumptuous musical soundtrack.

A new rendition of the famous M. R. James novella. 'A Warning to the Curious' sees a new protagonist played by Tindal, getting into all sorts of bother when he discovers a lost fabled crown.

There's a new slant to this version, which is refreshing, almost tongue in cheek, which is full of twists and turns, with nothing as it seems, making you feel uneasy from start to finish for our hero, (Tindal) Watch out for an outstanding piece of cinematography when there's a chilling dream sequence of a female ghost, a predator, who appears to be an alley of the doomed spectre, William Hagar, really quite frightening, which plays out along with the ever haunting Mozart classic 'Lacrimosa' - stirring stuff indeed.

On a technical level the production is high, good sweeping landscapes, some beautifully shot aerial sequences from PJ Herber, nicely paced editing, along with taught direction, and a wonderful film score from Jeff Crampton. At no point do any of the scenes outstay their welcome, the plot really does move along fast. The overall cast appear to be largely unknown, however, they play it within character rather well, and it really is quite enchanting to watch. The film does what it sets out to do - bringing in good suspense, atmosphere, creepiness and a general fear of the unknown. The plot here really is a 'whodunnit' and leaves you wondering. For the low budget, praise goes to the producers indeed. Highly recommended. A nice slant on the often all too familiar horror genre. Great viewing on a cold winters night. Track it down if you can.

(Of note and as I write I noticed this film has just picked up another award as 'Best Thriller' - deservedly so)

Interesting plot, would love to see more!

[luciatarrant · 10/10 · 29 July 2021]

A Curious Tale seems an intriguing film to say the least. The trailer is enticing yet still leaves you 'curious' as to what will unfold in the actual film plot; without giving too much away. The setting of Sussex is spot on; I have lived in Sussex for years and I often find myself thinking that certain destinations, houses, rural woodlands and beaches would make an excellent setting for a film, particularly an eerie horror such as this one, so it is nice to see the lovely Sussex countryside being used here. Some excellent shots in the trailer provide a sinister feel to an otherwise bright and tranquil coastline which suits the theme perfectly. I look forward to seeing more once this is released!

A modern twist on an ancient tale of horror

[carolinemallin · 8/10 · 12 December 2021]

If you're looking for a film to take you right back to the late seventies and those dark Tales of the Unexpected, this will hit the spot.

Don't expect Hollywood acting, but it does have a local charm all of its own and there are some stunning Sussex coastline shots with Leigh Tarrant's cinematography. For fans of Birling Gap and the iconic coastguard cottages, this has generous helpings of suspense and spine chilling scenes of dark horror.

It's the timeless story of what happens when an aging rock star digs too far into the past in search of buried treasure that nurses its own curse in a throw back to ancient Sussex folklore.

Cameo roles from Neill McKenzie as the antiques shop owner and Simon Mallin as the vicar and have a charm all of their own and Amanda Dann turns in a convincing performance as the Farm Girl. Paul Brandis as the fellow hotel guest is worth a watch.

Written and directed in Covid times, for a first film, this is pretty impressive.

Light the fire, put on the crumpets and get the steaming hot chocolate in, this is just the job to liven up a dreary winter's afternoon. It's an intriguing tale, told well.

Great fun steeped in intrigue

[vickykear · 9/10 · 15 December 2021]

At times spooky, unsettling and intriguing, a Curious Tale is a great indepedent short film looking into Sussex folklore. If you like Midsummer murders, Jonathan Creek, or have an interest in forgotten English history then you will love this. The beautiful original score was a personal highlight.

Historically Intriguing

[alessiatarrant · 10/10 · 10 August 2021]

I am very interested in films and television shows that have a tale to tell that is something out of the ordinary; therefore, this particular film trailer is definitely of interest to me. The historical themes in the trailer portray a very mysterious and dark vibe; and the sepia and black & white filters only benefit this further, overall creating an intriguing ghost story. The trailer has a realistic element to it which captivates the viewer and lots of familiar locations from Sussex that I have visited before myself. I can't wait to see the full length feature.

Brilliant and authentic

[thesergeants · 10/10 · 6 February 2022]

'A curious tale' will keep the spectator indeed very curious, right from the start of the film, all the way through. The Oscar goes to every actor and most of all to the director Leigh Tarrant for taking the time to create this brilliant film. Mysterious, fascinating, authentic!

Glad I managed to get a copy of the DVD!