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Reviews
The Essex Serpent (2022)
Fantastic, ignore the negative feedback!
Mesmerising from the start, and thoroughly captivating to the end. The story is brilliant, the characters solid, and the eerie mood of the Essex estuaries is a masterfully captured on screen. I really cannot understand the negative reviews, the story does not dwindle in the slightest. Unlike Netflix tv series that carry on forever, & waste several episodes on unnecessary side plot/sub character stories this series does not. The pace is not slow either, it is a bit of everything romance, period drama, thriller, melancholic at times with a sliver of supernatural/fantasy if you like ( but all is explained and not left up in the air).
I didn't expect to like Claire Danes in the role, as I expected a poor English accent. However, I was really impressed by Danes performance. Her accent was good, and her acting was very good. Tom Hiddleston, well has he ever given a bad performance? Utterly brillant as always, with that endearing voice that sends shivers down ones spine. The rest of the cast were also very strong, Clémence Poesy another standout and well acted by the children.
Cinematography & direction stunning. Every montage could have been a painting. The mood of an old smoggy London captured, mud on the road, damp and dark in the slums. Shots in Essex were like something out of Wuthering Heights ( but not on the moors but with the unusual presence of channels near estuary). Costumes fantastic too.
If you like a good period drama, a solid story and a bit of mystery do yourself a favour and just watch the first episode. Trust me you'll be hooked.
Things Heard & Seen (2021)
A unique psychological horror with Supernatural overtones
Disagree with negative reviews. From the beginning the film draws you in. It is well paced and takes the time to set up the characters backstories. The acting is solid and very believable. The film is based upon a book and perhaps the productions desire to stay true to the book has disappointed shallow viewers who are simply wanting cheap/ nuanced scares. This film is far more poignant and has an important message to tell. Without giving it away I would definitely recommend watching this film. My only criticism would be the ending, which I felt was rushed. In short the film revolves around themes of Art, spiritualism/ seances, marital dysfunction repeated in history, and more.
Sweet River (2020)
Subtle and original supernatural Australian Horror
I can't understand the negative reviews for this film. It has a good story, is well produced and has an excellent cast. It is an Australian film, and perhaps overseas American audiences miss the subtlety of Australian culture and story telling. However, the film is far from boring.
What separates the film from the mundane done to death horror, is the subtle showing of ghosts. There are no silly monsters popping out, or OTT special effects.
The lead English actress was very good, and I think that it's very unfair to just compare her to a look alike Rebecca Gibney. Because she certainly brings a strong screen presence with her. The supporting cast are also strong, and each shine in their own way.
The film also sheds light on the small towns near the Tweed River. For anyone who has ever visited there, it certainly does have a spooky feel and an unusual atmosphere about it. The sugar canes, which are largely the livelihood of such towns grow tall and far reaching. It is also has interesting Artistic culture.
My only criticism would have been to show less of the lead characters return to alcoholism. While a significant story to tell there could have been half the amount of scenes of her drinking to paint the picture.
All in all an enjoyable watch and definitely well above your cliched horror film.