Blackwood

Blackwood is a British Psychological Thriller from 2014 directed by Adam Wimpenny, and stars Ed Stoppard, Sophia Myles, Russell Tovey, and Paul Kaye. The screenplay for the movie is written by J.S. Hill.

In this thriller film, Stoppard plays Ben Marshall, a successful history professor who moves with his wife Rachel (Sophie Myles) and son Harry (Isaac Andrews) to the bleakly beautiful, remote Blackwood house to recover from a severe mental breakdown.

The Blackwood house sits isolated in the heart of thick and deep woods - it's grand, rustic, and reminiscent of another time. Ben has just recovered from a traumatic experience and hopes that this serene location will provide the peace they all need. However, this conventional haunted-house drama veers into unusual areas, as Ben's grip on reality seems to slowly unravel, once again.

Blackwood employs psychological elements to craft a horror film that isn't about jump scares or terrifying monsters but about the disturbing depths of the human mind. Haunting visions, eerie dreams, sinister shadows, and mysterious figures, all become shreds of a complex puzzle that Ben needs to solve to maintain his sanity. As a historian, he utilizes his investigative skills to explore the disturbing history behind their new abode.

Harry Burton provides a knockout performance as Jack, a mysterious stranger who approaches with tales of the previous inhabitants who met with tragedy. The unique interaction between Ben and Jack adds an intense edge to the film.

One of Blackwood’s defining characteristics is its atmospheric eeriness. Every scene is drenched in a gothic gloom that not only exists outside amidst the trees but also permeates the house's expansive interiors. The stunning cinematography captures the ominous woods and the imposing Blackwood house in masterful, brooding detail, turning the setting into a character in itself. The colour palette of the film mirrors the psychological state of the protagonist, adding another layer of complexity to the movie.

Furthermore, the film's score, composed by Lorne Balfe, is enchantingly haunting. The eerie music beautifully escalates the tension and suspense in the film, making even the most mundane scenes feel filled with impending doom.

Stoppard as the lead delivers a noteworthy performance. His portrayal of Ben’s descent into paranoia, driven by past trauma, and the fear of an unknown threat lurking in the new house is genuinely affecting. His performance is brilliantly complemented by Sophia Myles, whose portrayal of the supportive yet tormented wife character, Rachel, binds the plot together.

With impressive support from the likes of Russell Tovey and Paul Kaye, the entire cast helps to deliver on the promise of psychical unease and distrusting dread that thrives in such horror-thrillers.

The movie goes beyond the clichéd factors of a regular horror flick and delves deeper into the realms of psychological disturbance. It explores the boundaries of reality, dives into the power of suggestion, and questions the objectivity of our beliefs.

While Blackwood uses storytelling elements that are familiar to any fan of the genre, its pacing, deliberate ambiguity, and emphasis on paranoia over traditionally “scary” elements make it stand out. It’s a psychological thriller that presents a refreshing departure from overly gory and loud horror films, favouring subtle overtures of dread instead.

Blackwood is a film that will intrigue fans of psychological horror and thriller genres. The dark, haunted past of the house pretty much sets the tone for the compelling storytelling that invites viewers on a surprising narrative journey. Be prepared to be hooked as you watch the Marshall family navigate through their life, in what becomes a psychologically suspenseful, viscerally eerie experience in Blackwood. It's a unique addition to the realm of the supernatural thriller, crafted elegantly with a tinge of mystery, seeking to haunt the minds of its viewers long after the credits roll.