Let Us Prey

Let Us Prey is a 2014 British-Irish horror film directed by Brian O'Malley. The film stars the talented Liam Cunningham, who is most famous for his role as Davos Seaworth in the hit show, Game of Thrones. Also starring in the movie is the English actress Pollyanna McIntosh and Scottish actor Bryan Larkin. This film contains strong elements of chilling suspense and horror, designed to keep viewers on the edge of their seats throughout.

The story unfolds in a neglected police station, in a remote Scottish town. The atmospheric police station acts as the perfect backdrop for a horror-thriller, providing the cramped and claustrophobic setting which progressively turns sinister as the night falls. The film's ominous tone is established right from the beginning, courtesy of the diverse and intriguing characters who are brought together under strange and extraordinary circumstances.

Cunningham plays 'Six,' an enigmatic stranger with a chilling presence who is picked up on a minor traffic violation and brought to the station. His character is enigmatic and mysterious, providing an uneasy air to the entire narrative. His calmness and omniscience hints at a supernatural aspect of his character, which raises more tension in the plot.

Pollyanna McIntosh plays Rachel Heggie, a rookie cop in her first night shift who soon realises that this will not be any ordinary night at work. She brings an earnest and determined portrayal of someone who is seeking justice, paving the way for character growth and transformation as the film progresses. At odds with everyone around from the beginning of the film, she quickly discovers that this group of law enforcers harbours more secrets than she anticipated.

Bryan Larkin brilliantly portrays one of the police officers, adding to the ensemble of flawed characters in the station on this fateful night. His performance adds to the film’s eerie atmosphere, further enhancing its dark tension.

The film begins in a way that hints at a routine night but things quickly turn nightmarish as the story descends into chaos. With the arrival of ‘Six’ at the police station, the plot takes a turn for the uncanny. The stranger doesn't speak much but his presence sparks a series of surreal occurrences filled with secrets, sin and punishment.

As the eerie night progresses, ‘Six’ has a way of revealing the hidden sins, gnawing guilt and concealed wrongdoings of each person in the station. The individuals are forced to confront their own pasts, leading to a perfect storm of violence, fear, and reprisals within the station's walls. The twisted, dark secrets start simmering, revealing that the threat could come from within as much as from outside.

This movie skilfully blends elements of horror, suspense and psychological thriller. Well-written characters, each sketchy in their own way, help to raise an all-round sense of dread, keeping the audience guessing as things begin to spiral uncontrollably. Suspense builds up slowly but inevitably, courting psychological horror with the facts of the unknown.

The cinematography of this film is noteworthy. It uses unique camera angles, lighting and visual effects to create an eerie atmosphere. The score is judiciously used to heighten the fear factor. Scenes are punctuated with jarring and escalating music, building to a cacophonous crescendo as the plot hurtles towards its climax.

Keeping audiences gripped till the end, Let Us Prey is an intense journey into the darker recesses of the human psyche. With its shocking revelations, gruesome scenes, and haunting atmosphere, the film provides a potent mix of paranoia, skepticism, and looming dread. It is a thoughtful horror film that invites viewers to contemplate the very nature of sin, punishment, and redemption, within a setting that feels claustrophobic and increasingly hellish.

Let Us Prey delivers on its promise of a thrilling ride, defined by its unique blend of horror and mystery. The performances by the ensemble cast, especially by Liam Cunningham and Pollyanna McIntosh, elevate the film’s spectral atmosphere. It is a film that impresses with its potent sense of foreboding, leaving viewers startled, unnerved and entrapped in its insidious narrative.

With its terrifying tale of guilt and punishment, Let Us Prey represents a unique offering in the realm of horror thrillers. Its claustrophobic setting, menacing characters, and bone-chilling scenes contribute to a thrilling viewing experience. For fans of the horror genre who appreciate a blend of suspense, shock and psychological depth, this movie is not to be missed.