Dartmoor Killing

Set against the backdrop of the picturesque but ominous Dartmoor landscape in England, the 2015 film Dartmoor Killing is a suspenseful British psychological thriller directed by Peter Nicholson. The movie invites the audience into a slow-burning, unnerving trip into a world of secrets, lies, and latent horror. Versatile actors such as Gemma-Leah Devereux, Rebecca Night, and David Hayman showcase their talent in this film.

The narrative of Dartmoor Killing revolves primarily around two friends, Susan (played by Gemma-Leah Devereux) and Becky (portrayed by Rebecca Night), embarking on a weekend hike over the Dartmoor with hopes to breathe fresh air and renew their souls. Their aim is to escape the mundane realities of their everyday city lives and to soak up some deep connection with nature while strengthening their bond as friends.

Fairly early on in their excursion, they happen upon Chris (played by Callum Blue), a charming but puzzling stranger who seems to be shrouded in a cloak of mystery. As the supernatural mist descends upon the wild Dartmoor's landscape, a sense of foreboding belies the beauty of the terrain, adding a haunting quality to the event that is to follow.

Becky, who has been battling her own demons, finds herself singularly drawn to Chris. The meeting is not viewed favourably by the cautiously mindful Susan, whose reservations are heightened by Chris’ eccentric behaviour and the mysterious entries she discovers in Becky’s diary. Their one chance meeting with Chris soon escalates into a series of inadvertent encounters that raises questions about premeditation, chance, and sheer misfortune.

David Hayman, a revered name in the acting realm, delivers an outstanding performance as Les, the reserved and seemingly benign B&B owner. He offers the women shelter when they are caught up in the perilous moorland weather. But beneath his welcoming rustic exterior lies a man with a shadowy past and secrets that are yet to surface. His suspicious demeanor serves as a chilling announcement that the women might be in very real and imminent danger.

Dartmoor Killing harnesses the vast, striking landscape of Dartmoor to ramp up the eerie, isolated atmosphere and reflect the turmoil bubbling under the surface of the characters’ interactions. The breathtaking panoramas and quaint locations not only showcase the wonders of the Devon countryside but go far beyond the aesthetic, becoming an intrinsic element of the narrative, amplifying the tension, and echoing the terror and uncertainty of our protagonists.

Despite its low-budget, indie horror pedigree, Dartmoor Killing punches above its weight on almost every level - the script-tight and well-paced, the performances first-rate, and the eerie nature of Dartmoor itself providing the perfect backdrop for this tale of tragedy, trepidation, and horror.

In a nutshell, Dartmoor Killing is a calculated, patiently measured exploration of the darker aspects of human nature. With its slow-burn suspense and rich character development, it brings to mind the qualities of a meticulously written novel, unfolding layer by layer to gradually reveal a hidden world of darkness beneath an idyllic surface. The film skillfully crafts a sense of intense and critical discomfort, keeping viewers on tenterhooks till the very end, and leaving them pondering the narrative's mysteries well after the credits roll.

For fans of psychological horror and thrillers, Dartmoor Killing is a must-watch movie. Its fusion of intertwined relationships, secret pasts, the harsh yet captivating Dartmoor landscape, and eerie suspense will keep you engaged and on edge. The film goes beyond mere horror to lead viewers on a journey into the abyss of the human psyche and grapples with emotions, past traumas, and the implications of their resonance in our lives.