The Red Zone is a breath of fresh air, a new take on the Vampire and Werewolf mythology. Considering the current media success of franchises like Twilight, Vampire Diaries etc. I'm surprised there wasn't more romance and teen angst in this web series. Instead it took a very serious and epic tone from the off. Right from the first episode we were told the premise of the story, and introduced to a world corrupted by demons. The casting of British comedy Jim Tavare was genius and he does a fantastic job at setting the tone. The series progresses around Episode 3. Episode two is a pit stop, a homage to film, silent films, slightly irrelevant and off the point but it shows if nothing else that this film maker and the cast love film and have the right intentions in mind.
Episode 3 gets right back on it, epic chase through a fantastically cinematic grave yard. The cinematography is way beyond a Bournemouth University short, and raises the bar for student films. The acting is first class, deep and emotional lines delivered by what I assume are first time actors Adam Barlow and Shannon Palmer. My favourite moment had to be the horror movie classic, hiding from the monster behind a grave, utterly hair raising. Great Stuff
Again Episode four takes a break from the overall story arc, but this time it's welcomed. Christie Leigh Emby's performance is close to tear jerking. Her emotional goodbye to a handy cam, as she is stalked by a werewolf is genuine and believable. Arguably the highlight of this internet series.
Episode 5 and 6 are far more drama driven, and again some excellent displays of acting. Episode 5 was clearly influenced by a certain BBC3 drama but thats OK as it pulls it off and is also once again highlights this young directors enthusiasm for film and TV. Episode 6 backs this up with a Sin City look to it.
Overall this series has it's low points, which is expected with a student film, but the highs out weigh them and make it completely worth the watch. Fantastic cast who all have bright futures, and an outstanding performance by the film makers involved, I can not believe something on this level can be pulled off with one or two people on a mini budget. Bravo!
Episode 3 gets right back on it, epic chase through a fantastically cinematic grave yard. The cinematography is way beyond a Bournemouth University short, and raises the bar for student films. The acting is first class, deep and emotional lines delivered by what I assume are first time actors Adam Barlow and Shannon Palmer. My favourite moment had to be the horror movie classic, hiding from the monster behind a grave, utterly hair raising. Great Stuff
Again Episode four takes a break from the overall story arc, but this time it's welcomed. Christie Leigh Emby's performance is close to tear jerking. Her emotional goodbye to a handy cam, as she is stalked by a werewolf is genuine and believable. Arguably the highlight of this internet series.
Episode 5 and 6 are far more drama driven, and again some excellent displays of acting. Episode 5 was clearly influenced by a certain BBC3 drama but thats OK as it pulls it off and is also once again highlights this young directors enthusiasm for film and TV. Episode 6 backs this up with a Sin City look to it.
Overall this series has it's low points, which is expected with a student film, but the highs out weigh them and make it completely worth the watch. Fantastic cast who all have bright futures, and an outstanding performance by the film makers involved, I can not believe something on this level can be pulled off with one or two people on a mini budget. Bravo!
