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alyson-rhodes
Reviews
The Runaways (2019)
Touching, heartbreaking Brit indie film shot in Yorkshire in towns like Whitby
Saw this little Brit indie gem of a film in Halifax in West Yorkshire on a wet Sunday afternoon; didn't know much about it before hand but so glad went to see it. The director Richard Heap and two of the teen actors did a Q&A afterwards. The story opens in Whitby where the trio of kids are being raised ad hoc by their loving but heavy drinking Dad (played by Mark Addy) and after a family tragedy and the return of their violent uncle the kids flee with 2 of the donkeys from their seaside day job onto the North Yorkshire moors escaping and on the run. The story follows their adventures and charts their emotional as well as physical journey. It is touching, heartbreaking, witty, insightful and packs a big emotional wallop. Catch it if you can.
Automata (2019)
Creepy, beautifully photographed, Gothic horror thriller with a an automaton at its heart
I spotted director Lawrie Brewster's Kickstarter campaign on twitter which led to me placing a small pledge towards the making of this film - now retitled, The Devil's Machine (though I personally preferred the original title). I write horror stories myself and love dolls, clockwork toys, Gothic tropes, haunted manor houses, music boxes playing on their own and faces at the window- so this had my name written all over it. The film, though low budget, is shot very well, with wonderful texture and colour use. The doll's dress and the photography of the historical scenes are convincing and lush. The historical story gradually seeps into the current day affecting the two main characters (Brendan the clockwork specialist) and his young assistant, Rose, and their behaviour with tragic consequences. As the true facts of the Infernal Princess' story are revealed, we the audience know there has to be payment. This is entertaining, moving, and deserves to find a wider audience. I hope it does. High recommended for horror lovers