Monday, October 01, 2018

31 Days of Halloween - Day 1 - Movie 1



A young man, learning of his father's disappearance returns home to try and end the curse that's plagued his family for generations, uncovering dark secrets and terrible creatures which try to pull him into the same trap that's claimed his own father.

The Mill at Calder's End (2015) is a remarkable film. In the space of about 14 minutes, we get some of the best moody atmospherics, and a creepy Victorian ghost story filled with building dread, as well as the presence of Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee, and Barbara Steele. The characters are all played by incredibly detailed puppets, something which you often forget over the course of the film.

Everyone involved deserves a big round of applause. The art direction, lighting, cinematography, sets, music, script, direction, and voice performances are all top notch. There are so many beautiful and beautifully ghastly visuals in this film. One of my favorites is a moment when the light flickers across the family crest transforming it into a far more sinister image.

This is a really beautiful film and must be seen.

The disc also includes, director Kevin McTurk's earlier horror film told with, not as sophisticated, puppets, but still an impressive work, The Narrative of Victor Karloch.

You can order both films here.

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