Straight On Till Morning

Straight On Till Morning, directed by Peter Collinson, is a distinctive horror-thriller movie that was released in 1972. Featuring a star-studded ensemble that includes iconic actors such as Rita Tushingham, Shane Briant, and James Bolam, this British film challenges conventional storytelling norms with its unique narrative style, an incredibly atmospheric setting, and brilliantly nuanced performances.

Set against the colorful scenes of 1970s London, the story revolves around Brenda (portrayed by Rita Tushingham), a somewhat naive and introverted young woman hailing from Liverpool. Brenda, enchanted by the charismatic allure of the big city, decides to move to London, leaving behind the banalities of her provincial town.

Brenda's initial fascination with London gradually turns into abysmal despair as she confronts the harsh realities of life in a big, bustling city. She discovers that the urban world paints societal norms in stark contrasts and that interactions can often be manipulative and self-serving. Nevertheless, Brenda clings to her dreams of a perfect romance.

A fateful encounter then leads Brenda into crossing paths with Peter (played by Shane Briant), a handsome and enigmatic young man. As the narrative unfolds, what appears to be a romantic relationship in the offing rapidly turns into an intense psychological thriller. The seemingly charming Peter reveals multiple layers of his complex character while Brenda is thrown into a whirlpool of unexpected and menacing circumstances, leading the audience through a haunting journey of fear, obsession, and manipulation.

Suspending the traditional tropes of the horror genre, Straight On Till Morning relies heavily on character-driven tension and psychologically complex scenarios. The title of the film, borrowed from J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan, resonates with the eerily entrancing allusion to a state of continuous flight towards an innocent dawn that seemingly does not exist. This highlights the characters' desire to escape their traumatizing reality, underscoring a constant, desperate need for a triumphant morning that never comes.

Rita Tushingham, with her distinctive appearance and emotive eyes, offers a tour de force as Brenda. Her sincere portrayal of a starry-eyed yet naive young woman struggling with the chilling realities of her invasive circumstances is deeply resonating. Her performance perfectly captures the dichotomy of innocence and strength amid a harrowing journey.

Contrastingly, Shane Briant embraces the complexity of his role as Peter. Through his brooding looks and enigmatic demeanor, he skillfully projects an intriguing character that looms with inherent darkness, delicately bordering the lines of charisma and fear. Briant's performance strikingly encapsulates the unpredictability of his dual-edged persona, making for an emotionally haunting experience.

Collinson's directorial finesse is evident as he cleverly uses London’s picturesque landscape and typical 70s cinematography to amplify the narrative's haunting aura. The film delves deep into taboo subjects, disturbing norms, and psychological intrigues, painting a dark, unsettling picture of urban life.

What sets Straight On Till Morning apart from conventional horror films of its time is that it does not rely on traditional elements of horror such as supernatural beings or grotesque deaths to tell a terrifying tale. Instead, it utilises the psychological underpinnings of its complex characters to create a sense of looming dread, making it a bone-chilling psychological thriller.

In conclusion, Straight On Till Morning stands out as a noteworthy contribution to the genre of psychological horror. It combines distinctive visual storytelling and compelling performances with a disturbing narrative, creating a cinematic experience that's both chilling and thought-provoking. For lovers of horror-thrillers or an engaging character study, this film offers an unforgettably haunting journey into the depths of human psychology and the darkness that sometimes resides within seemingly ordinary lives.