The Hatching

The Hatching is a 2014 British horror-comedy movie directed by Michael Anderson. It features an impressive ensemble cast that includes Andrew Lee Potts, renowned for his roles in the TV series Primeval; Thomas Turgoose, known for This is England; and Sylvia Syms, famed for her performance in The Queen. The Hatching is a unique blend of comedy and horror, with a story filled with suspense, tension, and laughter. Its foundation is based on the age-old folklore of the Somerset, which gives the plot an added layer of mystery and curiosity.

Set in the picturesque but isolated town of Somerset, the story centers around Tim Webber (Andrew Lee Potts), a young man who returns to his childhood home, after the death of his father. Tim’s return is greeted with stiff, cold, and suspicious looks from the locals of the English village. The death of Tim's father is mired in mystery and scandal, and the scars of this painful history still linger in the town.

Tim grew up next to the town's infamous and creepy "Crocodile Swamp." And as children, Tim and his friends had an unnerving encounter in the swamp. Now an adult, Tim inherits his father's property, including the ominous neighbouring swamp. Things take an eerie turn when he uncovers a scheme to illegally breed deadly, monstrous crocodiles within the swamp, and then - things start to go wrong.

As he starts his new life in the quiet village of Somerset, strange things start occurring. Pets start disappearing, and grisly remains of animals are found in and around the town. The event trigger long-forgotten superstitions and heighten suspicions among the villagers. The townsmen are quick to attribute these strange happenings to the abandoned swamp and its past secrets.

Maura (Georgia Henshaw), Tim's love interest, shares his curiosity about the weird occurrences and together they reluctantly traverse towards uncovering truths. The plot thickens when a pair of local burglars also stumble upon the area infested with antagonistic beasts.

The movie provides an engaging spectator experience through brilliantly choreographed sequences that oscillate between horror and hilarity, adding a nuanced stance to the conventional monster horror genre. As secrets are unravelled and mysteries solved, how Tim battles nostalgia, fear, and challenging situations, forms the crux of the movie. The Hatching goes beyond a typical monster flick, incorporating elements of dark humour, friendship, love, and the essence of community in a small town.

One of the significant aspects of The Hatching is the use of the dynamic Somerset locale. Its intricate landscapes, thick woods, and unfathomable swamps add to the rustic charm and eerie underbelly of the plot, serving as the ideal backdrop to this twisted tale. It also gives viewers a chance to witness the intrinsically English countryside from a new perspective.

The Hatching features stellar performances. Andrew Lee Potts shines with his portrayal of Tim, and the character's transition from a subdued lad to a courageous man. He creates a vivacious atmosphere despite there being an impending sense of doom. The chemistry between Andrew Lee Potts and Georgia Henshaw is commendable and gives the plot an emotional touch.

Thomas Turgoose depicts a character that starkly contrasts with his past roles, convincing us that he can be remarkably versatile. His exceptional timing of delivering humor intersects seamlessly with terrifying sequences, creating some memorable scenes. Finally, Sylvia Syms brings to the screen a unique charm and vintage ambiance, enriching The Hatching with depth and resonance.

The Hatching is an entertaining mix of frights and laughs, cleverly embedded in a mysterious narrative. With its rural setting, remarkable performances, and crispy direction, it leaves viewers intrigued, thrilled and continues to engage them throughout. All in all, The Hatching offers a unique escape into the universes of mystery, suspense and comedic horror, merged seamlessly together. Whether you are a fan of the horror-comedy genre, or just looking for a fun and thrilling ride, The Hatching is undoubtedly worth a watch.