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.

Fractured 2016 horrorBut 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.

Fractured 2016 horror

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.

Fractured 2016 horror

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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Tom Atkinson

Tom is one of the editors at Love Horror. He has been watching horror for a worryingly long time, starting on the Universal Monsters and progressing through the Carpenter classics. He has a soft-spot for eighties horror.More

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