Whoever Slew Auntie Roo?

Whoever Slew Auntie Roo? is a 1972 British horror-thriller directed by Curtis Harrington. This chilling film, which brings a gruesome twist to the classic fairytale of Hansel and Gretel, stars Shelley Winters, Mark Lester, and Chloe Franks. The fascinating tale, touched with elements of psychological horror, certainly provides an insight into its main protagonist's twisted psyche while leaving its audience on edge.

Shelley Winters, an Academy Award-winning actress, delivers a compelling performance as the eponymous Auntie Roo, a character that intertwines the lines between the loving and deadly, the kind-hearted and the malicious, bringing an allure of horror to the fusion of grief and insanity. The character is a wealthy English widow who nurtures an unhealthy fixation with her deceased daughter and goes to surreal lengths to maintain a semblance of their relationship.

Winters' portrayal as an emotionally distraught woman struggling with delusions and denial brings a profound depth to the character's psychological disturbances. Shifting between moments of clear sanity and sudden irrationality, Winters possesses an uncanny ability to evoke both sympathy and revulsion, effectively capturing the psychological turmoil Auntie Roo goes through.

The film also stars Mark Lester and Chloe Franks as the orphaned siblings Christopher and Katy Coombs, respectively. Their performance, innocent yet slightly mischievous, creates an eerie contrast against Winters' character. Lester, already known for his role in "Oliver!," demonstrates his acting prowess by deftly handling a character who is much darker and complex than his past roles.

The story of Whoever Slew Auntie Roo? is set in mid-Edwardian Portsmouth, England, where Auntie Roo resides in a large, lavish Manor that appears almost deceptively inviting. Every Christmas, she hosts an extravagant party for the local orphans who joyously partake in the festivities with little knowledge of their host's deep-rooted insanity. This annual event forms the backdrop of this engaging narrative, sketching a grim anecdote of eccentricity gone frightfully awry.

The film's visual storytelling is masterfully accomplished, encapsulating the horror genre's convention of atmospheric locations, vibrant imagery interwoven with surrealist elements. The director, Curtis Harrington, utilizes Auntie Roo's mansion's daunting aesthetics to it's fullest - with the grand staircase, hidden rooms, the haunting nursery, setting the stage for the uncanny proceedings as the horror unfolds. The cinematography, combined with haunting score, results in an eerie and menacing atmosphere, complements the twisted nature of the story.

Harrington, known for his work in the horror genre, meticulously crafts a convoluted tale of longing, obsession, and madness. He successfully weaves a sense of unease throughout the movie as he carefully melds elements of supernatural, psychological horror with underlying themes of maternal love turned sour. Interestingly, the movie often ventures into uncharted territories and showcases a blurring line between the real and the unreal, the sane and the insane, making it an unforgettable foray into psychological horror.

Additionally, the film also introduces elements of dark comedy, subtly incorporated into its narrative framework. This clever humor doesn't overshadow the film's predominant horror tone but rather enhances the characters' diverse personalities by offering quick reprieves from the continuously tightening narrative tension.

Despite its horror offerings, Whoever Slew Auntie Roo? is not solely about evoking fear or distress. It also poses significant psychological undertones, exploring the debilitating world of delusion and obsession, construed through a lens of a woman in profound pain. The film guides you through suspenseful and disquieting sequences, all the while hinting at the complex interaction between the characters, highlighting their struggles and vulnerabilities.

Overall, Whoever Slew Auntie Roo? is a hauntingly mesmerizing film that showcases a narrative well-rooted in horror, and supplemented by compelling performances, brooding atmosphere, and psychological complexity. It traverses beyond the traditional confines of horror to address profound psychological realities, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre and cinema enthusiasts.