Polterheist

Polterheist is a 2018 British crime/comedy/horror film directed by David Gilbank, featuring Jo Mousley, Sid Akbar Ali, and Jamie Cymbal at the forefront. The movie stands out in the genre of crime-comedy thrillers as it uniquely combines the worlds of crime, comedy, and supernatural phenomena into an engaging narrative that will keep audiences on edge, laughing, and thinking throughout.

At the heart of the story is an unusual trio: two gangsters, played by Sid Akbar Ali and Jamie Cymbal, and a psychic medium, portrayed by Jo Mousley. The plot kicks off when the two not-so-bright gangsters, Uday and Ray, stumble into a predicament, having messed up a cash drop for their boss Frank. In a shocking turn of events, the money goes missing, and, to make matters worse, they accidentally murder a man who could possibly lead them to it.

Stuck in this grim and desperate situation, Uday and Ray decide to seek the assistance of a psychic medium, Alice, played convincingly by Jo Mousley. In a twist filled with black comedy and suspense, they employ Alice to contact the dead and find out where the money is. However, the act brings more chaos, stirring up dark forces that the trio can't comprehend, let alone control.

What follows is a fast-paced journey filled with bone-chilling scenes, slapstick comedy, tense situations, and unexpected revelations that make the movie a captivating watch. Simply put, Polterheist is not your regular crime or horror flick. It's an adventurous amalgamation of genres that innovatively uses humor and horror in a storytelling setting laden with criminal undertones. The unconventional storyline doesn't hold back any punches in taking the audience on an unpredictable thrill ride of twists and turns.

Jo Mousley's performance as Alice, the psychic medium, deserves special mention. Her character, a seemingly benign middle-aged woman, is colorfully sketched and loaded with wit, grit, and unpredictability. Jo pulls it off with an engaging blend of sincerity, humor, and vulnerability that makes Alice the beating heart of the narrative. The stakes are raised even higher as Alice has wrestles with privy information that one wrong step could lead to catastrophic consequences.

As the hapless thugs, Sid Akbar Ali and Jamie Cymbal present an entertaining act that morphs from dangerous to comic to terrifying with seamless ease. Their perfectly timed comedy, coupled with their clumsy handling of a crisis, form the bedrock of several moments of laughter, even amidst escalating tension. Yet, they never let you forget that these are criminals caught up in a world that's as dangerous as it is bizarre.

Polterheist's success lies in David Gilbank's skillful direction and innovative story that successfully marry multiple genres into a well-crafted narrative. The film excels in creating a balance - they have managed to intertwine the ruthless world of crime, the uncontrollable elements of the supernatural, and the unexpected touch of humor into a harmonious whole without ever losing sight of the coherent story.

The movie’s cinematography contributes substantially to shaping its darkly humorous and spooky ambiance. The washed-out color scheme and the dimly lit urban landscapes of West Yorkshire lend a unique identity to the film's setting and narrative flow. It bolsters the narrative's gritty realism while maintaining harmony with its paranormal theme.

In conclusion, Polterheist is an innovative genre-blending movie that keeps audiences engrossed with its unique blend of comedy, crime, and paranormal narratives. With a strong cast that delivers stellar performances and a story that is packed with humor, horror, suspense, and unexpected twists, it ensures that the audience is in store for an entertaining blend of laughs, thrills and scares. This is one movie that will appeal to fans of crime, comedy, and horror genres alike.