Unusual, ambitious post 9/11 drama

Rating: 8/10 (14 May 2005)

Like many people, I was expecting a 'Stephen King' type horror/slasher movie (this is what the trailers and publicity suggested) and initially, this is what you think you are going to get but the film developed into something more ambitious and for me, unexpected and very interesting. OK, the twist at the end is slightly implausible but I have to confess that I didn't see it coming. As a comment on our current 'post 9/11' fear of the outside world and the enemy at our gates, I thought the film intelligent and thought provoking. The acting and cinematography I found of a high standard (the cast were for me excellent) and the portrayal of a community isolated from the world and the general spooky and unsettling atmosphere I found haunting and very memorable. Having seen it, I wanted to see it again and I enjoyed it as much (or possibly even more) the second time around on DVD. Highly recommend but see it when you are in a thoughtful frame of mind rather than with the lads after a few beers.