Fright

Mother and daughter Emily (Jill Priest and Gwyneth Evans respectively) are living a secluded life in a large decaying house. There’s little contact with the outside world other than the postman (Jamie Martin) who delivers letters that mother never passes on to Emily.

Bored and frustrated Emily keeps a diary keeping a daily note of what little she does, as she approaches her 18th birthday. None of this helped by her chronic agoraphobia that means she can’t even leave the house. That and her conviction that there are darker forces in the house, are draining her mentally.

Of her father Emily knows next to nothing as her mother closes down the conversation as soon as he is mentioned. Then mother is taken seriously ill leaving Emily to run the house. Her discovery of the letters and other personal news add a twist to an already macabre situation.

This debut from writer and director Warren Dudley is technically very impressive with its use of black and white. Along with making the very best of the large house interior and exterior locations. He works hard to create atmosphere and not a little dread with the light and shadows.

Where it does become unstuck is with the starchy acting and enunciation. These elements don’t blend well with the spookier side of the story, which is really quite dark. I’d hazard a guess that the aim was to capture the period in speech as well as visuals.

If that is the case the problem is that it could place Fright into pastiche territory, generating an unwanted, unnecessary comedic dynamic that is incongruous within the story and diluting the tale’s ghoulish atmosphere.

Fright had its world premiere at London Pigeon Shrine FrightFest, 26 August 2024.