The latest horror short from County Durham director Dean Midas is something of a departure for the filmmaker.
Most of Dean's previous films are character-driven, featuring a central villain, usually with a supernatural element.
However, Dean's latest low-budget shocker, titled The Review, is a new entry in the niche 'found footage' genre.
This film is presented as if it were recorded by characters in the story - think The Blair Witch Project and you'll get the idea.
The plot centres around two young vloggers, reviewing their stay in a County Durham treehouse for their subscribers.
Young actress Eleanor Cater is 'Jamie', the camera operator, with 'Ethan', played by Zackri, the main subject - and both do a great job in holding the audience's attention.
Of course, there is a disturbing local legend associated with the treehouse, which involves gruesome murder, and a Ouija board scene, but our two heroes cheerfully dismiss any suggestions that something could be amiss.
The tension builds as the pair explore the building and its surroundings, in the dark, and much of the film's suspense comes from knowing a fright is coming - but not when. When they arrive (there's more than one), they provide a real jolt.
The splendid treehouse itself, in Crook, is almost like an extra character. And watch out for a highly effective cameo by Flic Gibbon, who appears as unsettling neighbour 'Vicki'.
This film is genuinely spooky with some proper 'jump-out-of-your-seat' moments and I can understand the comparison with Blair Witch. The scares, when they come, have genuine impact, which elevates this film to another level.
The ending provides another authentic shock, and the accomplished music over the end credits, by Sam Haynes, is highly effective and perfectly suited to the subject material.
Recommended reading:
- Director announces new horror film set in Durham, which began filming this week
- 'In a league of his own' - County Durham man named North East Filmmaker of the Year
- Film made in County Durham tops horror section of global video platform
Mr Midas, from Willington, is a low budget filmmaker who shoots all of his movies on a mobile phone - so this style perfectly suits his methods.
The Review is well-acted, nicely plotted, and atmospheric. The best effort yet from Dean and his team.
- The Review will be available to watch on the Dean Midas Films YouTube channel from April 25.
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