A truly harrowing, sickening tale of predatory control and manipulation initially masquerading as love and affection. The relationship very quickly becomes one of violence in addition to the already established control and coercion, with the stranglehold tightening with every incident, with every argument, and with each increasingly violent act. There are some interesting, inspired utterances throughout Ashley's narration which talk of the experience of domestic abuse as being defined as holding on to hope, rather than being about weakness or strength which it is so often made out to be. It isn't as easy or as straightforward as leaving the abusive partner/party. I feel sickened, sad, angry, and guilty having watched this, as a reminder of any argument I've ever had, of anytime I've caused pain or suffering to another person, of anytime I may have been able to make a difference, but didn't. I feel guilty for being a male in a world where non-males are predated on. This is exceptionally well acted by Georgina Campbell, and is written in a manner of understanding and discernment, but with the willpower to be ugly, revealing, stark, and horrifying. I'm now going to take a long walk outside in the glorious Winter sunshine, and be mindful of the goodness in life.
Reviews
44 Reviews
Murdered by My Boyfriend
(2014 TV Movie)
IT TOOK FOUR YEARS FOR ASHLEY TO DIE
4 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Dealing with Christmas
(2023)
'TASH-TASTIC
20 December 2023
Watched as 'Dealing With Christmas' on Prime Video
Finding this has been a true joy! It's funny, clever, and a great story. That it's French cannot be held against it(!), and actually is the reason it works so well. The facial hair, makeup and costumes support the story, with the physicality of the humour delivering genuine laughs, clever hooks, and sackfuls of Christmas cheer. What makes it even more of an achievement is that it's a body swap story at its core, but with some truly bizarre, tongue-in-cheek twists that are great despite their level of predictability. It'll be a yearly Festive Season viewing from hereon in!
Finding this has been a true joy! It's funny, clever, and a great story. That it's French cannot be held against it(!), and actually is the reason it works so well. The facial hair, makeup and costumes support the story, with the physicality of the humour delivering genuine laughs, clever hooks, and sackfuls of Christmas cheer. What makes it even more of an achievement is that it's a body swap story at its core, but with some truly bizarre, tongue-in-cheek twists that are great despite their level of predictability. It'll be a yearly Festive Season viewing from hereon in!
The Scrotum
(2019)
Bestial Balls
23 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
From the get-go you know what this is about, and the tone it is setting. A toxic-waste-related accident (I'll come to that in a sec) sees tentacle laden teabags parade monstrously about the place, killing as they go using levels of gore, effects, camerawork and facial expressions crafted and honed in the 1980s, to make it all effortlessly enjoyable. So, yeah... the hirsute Sweeney. He has both electric clippers AND a straight razor with him for some bizarre reason. When I want to manscape my conkers, you won't find me taking a flippin' razor to them! Lol.
I mean, what an achievement! 'Shoestring budget' is most definitely the phrase here... the purse is used masterfully in the creation of 'Scrotum Vision', and in the liberally-applied litres of the red stuff. We're also treated to an unexpectedly solid lead performance from Kelsey Tweed, screaming her lungs out as she's first pursued then ultimately fighting back against her beau's bestial balls.
With nods to both Texas Chainsaw Massacre and The Blob (1988, not 1958), and obvious skills behind the camera, Troy Prater is deliberate in his under taking, and skilful with it. Everything combines to create a movie that is twenty times better than it should be. I'm off to find the sequel!
I mean, what an achievement! 'Shoestring budget' is most definitely the phrase here... the purse is used masterfully in the creation of 'Scrotum Vision', and in the liberally-applied litres of the red stuff. We're also treated to an unexpectedly solid lead performance from Kelsey Tweed, screaming her lungs out as she's first pursued then ultimately fighting back against her beau's bestial balls.
With nods to both Texas Chainsaw Massacre and The Blob (1988, not 1958), and obvious skills behind the camera, Troy Prater is deliberate in his under taking, and skilful with it. Everything combines to create a movie that is twenty times better than it should be. I'm off to find the sequel!
Apocalypse Clown
(2023)
Untraditionally brilliant
20 November 2023
This is not something I thought would be genuinely enjoyable, yet alone really good! I figured it would be cheesy and cringy. However, the performances are spot on, and the dark humour is perfect! There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, and some clever hooks. It has the feel of so many movies that have come before it, yet it is most definitely unique. In combination, I'm not sure any of these elements would have worked in the same way if they weren't in Ireland. It is a movie I would watch again, and one I'll be recommending to friends. Testament to the skill of the director in pulling this off.
The Railway Men
(2023)
Unscrupulous Acts and Utilitarian Kindness
20 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
As these types of incidents and cover-ups have become more popular topics for documentaries, docu-dramas, dramas, and biopics, we are exposed even more than before to the dark side of humanity, and to the inherent evil of corruption fed by capitalism and greed. This is particularly true of societies and countries with deep-rooted corruption at the highest levels of government and authority, as we see here
As individuals many felt powerless, but as a united community they were strong, and pitted their strength against the immoral, unethical actions of the corporation, and political entities intent on ignoring, downplaying and scapegoating throughout the entire event
The valour and courage of the 'Railway Men' saved many lives. That so many had to die (15,000+) at all is tragic.
As individuals many felt powerless, but as a united community they were strong, and pitted their strength against the immoral, unethical actions of the corporation, and political entities intent on ignoring, downplaying and scapegoating throughout the entire event
The valour and courage of the 'Railway Men' saved many lives. That so many had to die (15,000+) at all is tragic.
Old People
(2022)
OLD IS STRONG
12 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Octogenarian antagonists... an unusual phrase to write, let alone read. As a lesser tried theme in horror, this grabbed me on the synopsis alone, for that reason. It soon becomes clear that any potential intrigue in the foreword isn't going to be realised. The enraged aged are played brilliantly, with the societal chasms between generations being screened in such a way as to make the differences exaggerated, emphasising them as a reason for breakdown on their own, let alone some kind of 'possession'. Any supernatural/mystical element to the story is missing, however, and any true feeling of there being a global event isn't given much focus. It feels like a cult movie in one way, whilst also having so many of the good elements of a zombie flick. Whilst beautifully bleak, and well-acted, it isn't an example of strong writing... there are a number of eye rolling moments. I really hope this paves the way for more Directors and Writers to use the older generations as strong and terrifying antagonists in future horror movies.
Living
(2022)
POIGNANT & POETIC
8 November 2022
It just might be the best BN performance we've seen! He truly shines in this poignant, carefully crafted, at times delicate, generally quietly unassuming, warm, and mesmerically engaging tale of life and its mundane patterns. The costumes and settings are wonderful to boot. With its focussed writing, the story is deftly kept in a frisson of frustration, heartache, warm humour, and the tension of the unspoken. All of the emotions and feelings are palpable. As for the story itself, it is believable and relatable - made more so by the great characters. I love films like this, that are pure artistry, as there aren't any elements left unconsidered, and it shows in the results.
Episode 8 (UK; Netflix; 28 Oct)
1 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
A beautifully set and presented piece of filmmaking, with honest, likeable characters. The quiet darkness routed in a family tragedy is palpable, if not immediately understood, as is the yearning and heartache felt by each of the main characters. What is perhaps most beautiful and poetic of all, is how unexpectedly rhythmic and in tune the ornithological cinematography is with the emotions of the couple, as the story develops. Fairly early on, I predicted the main content of the story, and it's outcome... the title helping in this, as well as often-used story points in similar tales. I enjoyed it, but it didn't offer the thrills and chills experienced in other episodes.
Episode 7 (UK; Netflix; Oct 28)
31 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Thus far, it's the trippiest, oddest, most surreal of the anthology... and that says quite a bit before I've even started! Lol. This is quiet, and patient, so requires your undivided attention as a result. It's heartbeat can be heard; it's energy felt, as it explores desire, stigma, curiosity and trust amongst a group who have never met before. It builds through a conversation with their host, to a crescendo of tactile and messy uncertainty and horror. As two of the group escape, there are a number of unanswered questions charging through your mind about what it all means, and what the host really knew.
Episode 6 (UK ; Netflix; 27 Oct)
27 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Possibly the episode I'd been anticipating the most... And, unfortunately the worst in the series so far. It presents much like a Theatre stage production, which isn't a bad thing. It doesn't give enough attention to character development to stand up on screen, instead focusing more on setting and lighting. The relationships between characters aren't strong enough either, so you don't really care what's happening to them. Some of the acting is woody, too, which doesn't help things much. With the story being quite familiar, it needed all other elements to be strong for the story to shine. And let's not even talk about the rat with a human face! Or the ending!
Episode 5 (UK; Netflix; 27 Oct)
27 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
A hungry artist - Thurber, seeking to keep ahead of the curve, is curious about an avant garde creative (Pickman) he meets, and is seduced (maybe even touched) by one of his paintings that relates to his family. Soon thereafter, Thurber experiences visons as dreams, and hallucinations... or are they? Years later, we see that our artist is still being haunted by the same piece of art, and then comes in to contact with its creator once again. Thurber's experiences intensify, as the darkness continues to grab at him - as fear grows. So, scared, he seeks to reconcile this with Pickman once and for all, but falls victim to the darkness, killing Pickman, and then living with the ugliness in more intimate ways than he could have imagined. It is well acted, and presented beautifully. The intimacy with the art throughout, keeps this episode's focus, and gives a continual nod to its dark heart.
Episode 4 (UK; Netflix; 26 Oct)
27 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
About fitting in and being seen, and the external pressures to conform. A woman on the edge of her work group is misunderstood, under-appreciated, and feels ugly. Introduced to something by one of the vain 'Stepford Wives' our Ugly Duckling soon gets entranced by the fad she thinks will change her and make her more desirable. Believing this lotion is the key to her metamorphosis and acceptance, she starts taking obscene steps to be seen - experiencing hallucinations to boot. The point being made is predictable, and so begins to feel laboured by the end of the story. Whether or not she cures herself, is for you to decide...
Brilliant
27 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Aaaaand we hit on an alien installation. This strikes out straight away with palpable anticipation, which it maintains throughout, and engages the audience in a premise that is as old as Science Fiction itself. The idea of an entity or being inhabiting our mortal bodies as a vessel; as a host for its survival and evolution as a species has always been a fascinating notion... perhaps as we're all to familiar with illnesses and diseases like cancer that do the same. The episode is cleverly written and directed, with great performances. I loved the alien being too. A little of the story confused me slightly, but not enough to detract from salient points. A brilliant episode in this latest canon of oddities and curiosities.
Rogue Agent
(2022)
Unbelievable
30 July 2022
Aside from some woody acting by GA, and some issues with atmosphere, that's where my alignment with the more critical reviews ends
The story is an incredible one. Had I realised there was also a docuseries, I'd likely have watched that first, though I'm not sure one would adversely impact on the other
This movie works well at covering a long period of deceit, manipulation and fraud, though I feel it would have been better if more emphasis was placed on exploring the psychology behind Freegard's actions. Maybe the docuseries manages that
An enjoyable watch, that builds through the first half, and unfolds with tension and pace in the second.
The story is an incredible one. Had I realised there was also a docuseries, I'd likely have watched that first, though I'm not sure one would adversely impact on the other
This movie works well at covering a long period of deceit, manipulation and fraud, though I feel it would have been better if more emphasis was placed on exploring the psychology behind Freegard's actions. Maybe the docuseries manages that
An enjoyable watch, that builds through the first half, and unfolds with tension and pace in the second.
Underrated
30 March 2022
I saw this come to Netflix, and saved it to my Watchlist. It's taken me this long to getting around to watching it properly! It appealed to me, with it being the first Ugandan film on the platform, its synopsis, and its run time
The movie gets straight to the point from the opening scene, with the main characters being introduced in very quick succession
Presented as a conversation taking place between two people (for the most part), this is almost a narration. That really works in its favour, as the connections between characters are explained, rather than having to be filmed and played out, which would detract from the twisting story being told
There are a couple of continuity errors, as well as some possible plot holes. However, what some may see as plot holes, I'd suggest are deliberate punctuations between the differing viewpoints of the characters, as each one tells us/shows us their perception of what actually happened
It's not as clean as it could be, but it is well edited and well directed - you can see what Ali is aiming for. Should his hard work and commitment garner recognition from experienced studios, he would flourish. I'd love to see him work with Blumhouse, for instance. It would also be great to see him on projects with established powerhouse directors such as Tarantino or Jonze
As a side note, I loved the use of cheap animation alongside an actor to explain certain points in the film. As well as the stamped 'True Story' tag! Haha. It's verisimilitude reportedly comes from myriad different new stories, crimes, etc. Having taken place in Uganda, as opposed to it actually being based on one event
A really enjoyable movie. I'm glad I gave it a go!
The movie gets straight to the point from the opening scene, with the main characters being introduced in very quick succession
Presented as a conversation taking place between two people (for the most part), this is almost a narration. That really works in its favour, as the connections between characters are explained, rather than having to be filmed and played out, which would detract from the twisting story being told
There are a couple of continuity errors, as well as some possible plot holes. However, what some may see as plot holes, I'd suggest are deliberate punctuations between the differing viewpoints of the characters, as each one tells us/shows us their perception of what actually happened
It's not as clean as it could be, but it is well edited and well directed - you can see what Ali is aiming for. Should his hard work and commitment garner recognition from experienced studios, he would flourish. I'd love to see him work with Blumhouse, for instance. It would also be great to see him on projects with established powerhouse directors such as Tarantino or Jonze
As a side note, I loved the use of cheap animation alongside an actor to explain certain points in the film. As well as the stamped 'True Story' tag! Haha. It's verisimilitude reportedly comes from myriad different new stories, crimes, etc. Having taken place in Uganda, as opposed to it actually being based on one event
A really enjoyable movie. I'm glad I gave it a go!
The Duke
(2020)
Beautifully Ordinary
26 February 2022
Beautifully ordinary. The comedy is natural. The story is real. There is no sentimentality or over-exaggerated emotion. It's a great real life tale. There are periods during which the accent is questionable, but this is easily forgiven.
Chernobyl: Abyss
(2021)
Poor
21 July 2021
Woeful sentimentality emanating from LEAD FEMALE's character, with little to be seen from anyone else. The lead up to the main event is weak (at best), with nothing really holding any part of the movie together as one cohesive story. It's like the meltdown and explosion happen in spite of everything else, yet still don't seem to be the movie's main focus! All-in-all, this is poorly managed from behind-the-camera, and shows a lack of creative thinking... #Scattergun.
The Chanting Revisited
(2018)
Uninspired
14 June 2021
It hits a low level of suspense, makes out it'll pick up, and then you realise that it doesn't change gears. The story is too plodding, and the writing is not the best. As for the kids, they do well, but they really needed stronger supporting cast members. A lack of tension and suspense make it feel slow.
Equinox
(2020)
Danish Mystery
12 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Typically mysterious with Danish seriousness to it. Starts off well. As the story develops, it becomes clear that Lene and Dennis' backstory isn't going to be given the time it should have, and that detracts from any thrill and mystery that has built. Add to that the slightly misaligned 'Stranger Things' vibe, and the ending, and it clearly lacks the more defined writing it warranted, and/or the couple of extra episodes it may have taken to better explore these elements.
Really Strong
21 February 2021
After the Rain
(2016)
Disconnected
27 January 2021
The story seems to bumble along without really giving any idea as to what point(s) it is trying to make, and the poor acting doesn't help. I get that it is an independent production, but a complete absence of drama and emotional connection shows that it's underdeveloped, as opposed to being nuanced, and that the Director is missing the mark. There is an element of emotion, but it feels droll as opposed to having any level of depth, with the film score and odd hallucinations/dreams/visions fighting against them, as opposed to enhancing them. Overall, a poor movie that had so much material to work with, it should have been something special
Imposter
(I) (2018)
Headspace
26 January 2021
To make a powerful statement without relying on a script is hard enough, let alone doing that in 10mins! Being inside our own head is sometimes hard work... scary; lonely; depressing; deeply sad, and this short manages to convey so much of what that can be like
Stay
(II) (2017)
On your knees
26 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The premise is interesting, and the tagline behind it fits well. However, the story doesn't give enough to explain major events, nor to support any kind of real connection with the audience, so the idea becomes as boxed in as the kidnapped victim in the flat. Overall, a fairly plain and dull movie
The Pembrokeshire Murders
(2021)
Authentic
14 January 2021
A well-written and beautifully filmed mini-series, with a great lead and good supporting performances, this incredible drama focusses on the Bullseye Killer's crimes
Wilkins himself had some small part in seeing that the series stuck to the truth without sensationalising anything that had happened. As well as this, Cooper's son met with one of the screenwriters. The authenticity of the drama shows, as do the efforts of the director to ensure it gives fair representation of the victims
The best ITV drama I've seen
Wilkins himself had some small part in seeing that the series stuck to the truth without sensationalising anything that had happened. As well as this, Cooper's son met with one of the screenwriters. The authenticity of the drama shows, as do the efforts of the director to ensure it gives fair representation of the victims
The best ITV drama I've seen
Something missing
10 January 2021
It's trying to make a valid point about balancing an education system, but focusses more on the 'nothingness' of the 'Special School' than actually showing actions that affected real change for those students being shackled. The dialogue makes those points, but all other elements of the story fall short, so it comes across as being messy and disorganised
Tell Your Friends