DOGGED

Emerging from the minds of director Richard Rowntree and writers Matthew Davies and Christina Rowntree, the 2017 British film "Dogged" marks one of the captivating entries into the realm of folk horror. With standout performances from Tony Manders and Toby Wynn-Davies, "Dogged" takes you on a rollercoaster journey through despair, suspicion, and impending dread.

Set against the backdrop of a quietly serene yet subtly creepy rural island community, the narrative circles around university student Sam, exquisitely portrayed by Sam Saunders, upon returning home after four years to attend the funeral of Megan, a young girl he used to babysit. Alarm bells start to ring for him as he encounters unwelcoming and odd behavior from the local residents, which serves to confuse and antagonize him. His parents, superbly incarnated by Tony Manders and Abigail Rylance-Sneddon, are steeped in an unexplained coldness that would unnerve any visitor.

The film does not rush to reassure the audience or offer easy answers, lending it a constant sense of suspense. Rapidly, Sam discovers there are far more sinister and deeply ingrained secrets that the small island community possesses than a simple reluctance to change or an adherence to outdated traditions. There is a relentless phantom lurking beneath the surface, a disquieting truth that disturbs the seeming tranquility of his former home.

The allure of "Dogged" is not your average hack-and-slash scenes; it beautifully embraces its genre of folk horror with a slow-burning anticipation, while also successfully juxtaposing it with social issues. It presents a biting critique against toxic masculinity, religious rigidity, and social exclusivity, wrapped up within its enticing narrative.

Toby Wynn-Davies offering a compelling performance as the unsettling Reverend is especially noteworthy. His screen presence contributes to the overall dread that slowly builds throughout the movie, alongside impressive contributions from Debra Leigh-Taylor and Philip Ridout as Megan’s grieving parents. As the story unfolds, the intertwining lives of the island's residents and the darker undertones of their every action hold the audience captive.

"Dogged" is ultimately a masterclass in tension-building and an exemplar of the slow-cinematic technique. The unfolding of the story under Rowntree's direction is so careful and patiently paced that it manifests itself as a haunting visual poetry. The director's background in creating short films lends a strength to "Dogged," enabling him to pay significant attention to detail. The film's ambiance is excellently crafted, filled with captivating visuals and a moody cinematography style that offers an eerie and foreboding tone.

The coherent use of the island setting, ominously isolated and inherently carrying a sense of otherness, fosters a genuine and tangible sense of dread and claustrophobia. The enchanting anchor and mystique of the rural landscape sets the stage for the events that unfold, with the sights and sounds of nature's serenity often undermined by bleeding elements of unsettling brutality. The stark cinematography, further enriched by James Griffiths’ haunting soundtrack, beautifully encapsulates the disturbing environment and forms the overall soul of "Dogged."

The film also benefits from a brilliant ensemble cast whose performances add a deeply distressing and visceral layer of authenticity and believability to the narrative. Each character is so carefully crafted and the quality of their collaborative performances projects the haunting atmosphere of the chilling plot.

Delving into a parable featuring an ominous tapestry of interconnected lives, cultish practices, and harboured secrets, Rowntree brings a fresh and enthusiastic vision to the realm of folk horror. Through displaying the raw potential of independent cinema, he has indeed produced a gem in "Dogged" with the essence of a vintage folklore narration intermingled with contemporary cinematic finesse.

In essence, "Dogged" is not merely a horror film; it is an exploration of social dynamics within a closed, insular community, where the unknown is not just feared but is lethal too. It negotiates the well-traveled road of horror in its unique stride, leaving its audience profoundly unsettled and chillingly entertained.