Fractured (2016) Review
A young couple takes a late night drive to a remote location, feeling anxious about the locals and the accommodation that they’re about to stay at. For any horror fan, it’s not a new concept and it’s usually easy to predict what’s likely to happen next.
But independent British horror Fractured soon proves that it is one of the exceptions to this rule. Its alternative take on this well rehearsed scenario combined with the fact that it has been produced by some fresh British talent, make it a very exciting offering indeed.
As Rebecca (April Pearson) and Michael (Karl Davies) explore the rural roads in search for their accommodation, danger seemingly lurks around every corner. Finally arriving at a large country house, they put the journey behind them and begin a night of passion, but both still have a feeling that they aren’t alone.
As the evening yo-yo’s between fear and lust it becomes obvious that there is someone intent on getting the couple’s attention. As Rebecca moves from one room to another, silhouettes move along the hall. As Michael goes out to the car to unpack, eyes watch from the greenery nearby.
Somonewhat reminiscent of John Carpenter’s Halloween, the tension in Fractured is expertly applied, leading the viewer along the brink of a precipice, unsure when – if ever – the figure in the shadows will strike.
It’s hard to say too much more about the film without spoiling the payoff, but let it be said that it’s the twists that come later that make Fractured so memorable.
Pearson and Davies are well suited to their characters, convincingly performing the loving couple that are being pursued. The writers (Jamie Patterson and Christian Hearn) have worked hard to create realistic dialogue and help the audience connect as quickly as possible with the characters in this fast moving film.
Louise Lytton puts in an equally convincing, gritty performance as Alva. A key character that we can’t say too much about without spoiling too much.
What makes the film most striking stylistically is the well planned camera angles and skillful use of atmospheric lighting. This fills the screen with as many ominous corners and dark doorways as possible – lots of places for the threat to hide.
The choice of locations also helps to conjure a brooding atmosphere throughout the film.
And when things do get nasty, the violence is graphic and realistic, adding further to the stress and intensity.
Fractured is a powerful film which delivers on many levels and holds bags of promise for all of those involved in its making. We can’t wait to see what comes next from Patterson, Hearn and their team.
If you’re looking for a good example of a low budget independent horror, you should start here.
Movie Rating:
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[…] but Rebecca can’t help but feel like someone is watching. This is the set up for the brilliant Fractured which premiered at the 2017 Unrestricted View Horror Film Festival and won Love Horror’s award for […]
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[…] our review of the fantastic Fractured HERE and see it for free on Amazon Prime […]
[…] our review of the fantastic Fractured HERE and see it for free on Amazon Prime […]
[…] our review of the fantastic Fractured HERE and see it for free on Amazon Prime […]