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The Banshee Chapter DVD Review

The Banshee Chapter DVDDirector: Blair Erickson,

Starring: Katia Winter, Ted Levine, Michael McMillian,     

 Running Time: 87 Minutes

Certificate: 18

THE BANSHEE CHAPTER adds a fictional Lovecraftian spin on the true events surrounding Project MKUltra, in which the US government carried out tests which were often illegal. It’s an interesting set-up, but the film soon finds its own footing for a genuinely scary mix of found-footage and traditional scares.

It all begins in traditional found-footage style, with clips from a young man, James (McMillian), trying out a new drug he’s been sent. After some strange occurrences that highlight Blair’s ability to crank up tension to unbearable levels, the film then reveals itself to be a documentary from James’ old flame and college buddy Anne (Winter), as she investigates James’ disappearance. Simple enough, but in what is a big distraction, the film soon gives up on the whole found-footage and documentary style.

For many, they’ll be happy about this choice and it has worked very well in the past. One need only look at DISTRICT 9 to see how such a change in delivery can be executed. Unfortunately for THE BANSHEE CHAPTER, the film is still shot like a documentary once it makes the switch and it took a while to realise we were now in a more traditional narrative. The cinematography aims to replicate the gritty and realistic look, but as the film jumps between archive footage, camcorder tapes and so forth, part of your brain is left assembling the pieces, thus meaning you can never be entirely engrossed.

Although this is something that is prevalent throughout, the film is nerve-racking to insane degrees. The tension builds up and the payoff is more than worth it. Blair also knows the concept of less is more, with quick shots of encroaching danger, which will have many cheats reaching for the step-by-step function on their remotes. The plot is also very interesting, with a mystery that feels well-paced and gradually unravels with satisfying results.

As a first feature from Erickson, this is a promising start in an overcrowded marketplace. THE BANSHEE CHAPTER makes sure you stick around to find out what’s going down and offers plenty of “I best put my hot drink down for a moment,” scenes of bed-wetting build-up. It also ends with one of the best songs of recent memory playing over the end-credits in the form of Mark Lenover’s ‘Girl In The Window’ which sums up the film’s delightfully grim atmosphere.

[usr=3]THE BANSHEE CHAPTER is released on DVD on 27th January.

 

Luke likes many things, films and penguins being among them. He's loved films since the age of 9, when STARGATE and BATMAN FOREVER changed the landscape of modern cinema as we know it. His love of film extends to all aspects of his life, with trips abroad being planned around film locations and only buying products featured in Will Smith movies. His favourite films include SEVEN SAMURAI, PASSION OF JOAN OF ARC, IN BRUGES, LONE STAR, GODZILLA, and a thousand others.

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