The Piper (2023) Review

Over the years, there have been numerous horror films that have dealt with the fairy tales that we know and love and twisted them into something much more horrific. The tale of the Pied Piper Of Hamelin is very much in that vein and the latest cinematic telling of the cautionary tale, The Piper puts its own venomous and supernatural twist on the story. The Piper is a film that taps into that well known fairy tale of course, but with added elements of genuinely chilling horror throughout and the results are impressive in terms of shock factor and a soaring and passionately thrilling nature.

The Piper starts as it means to go with a short sharp shock that certainly sets the tone for what is about to unfold. What follows is a film that explores the history of the pied piper and transports the legend to the modern day with teacher Liz accepting a role in Hamelin and moving there with her daughter Amy but they both soon discover a horror that engulfs them both and a whole host of others as they endeavour to unlock ghastly secrets and Liz has to ultimately, save her daughter from evil with the help of Luca, a mysterious stranger on horseback who takes a shine to Amy and plays a key part in the film.

The films setting in Hamelin is certainly majestic and the beautiful buildings that feature in the film act as imposing vessels of danger all the while looking as stunning as they do darkly menacing and the frightful goings on are elevated by the scenery in the same way as classic horror films like Argentos original Suspria and Nicholas Roegs Don’t Look Now do too.

Liz Hurley does well in her role as the mother who strives to uncover some dark secrets relating to the myth of the piper of the films title and some about herself unravel themselves as well, something that is integral to the plot of the film as well. Mia Jenkins as daughter Amy plays her role ably too with some genuinely eerie scenes involving the two at their house amongst the best on the film. If you have a bit of a phobia about rats, then this maybe isn’t the film for you, that’s all that has to be said on that! Jack Stewart as Luca is impressive as a hero figure while Tara Fitzgerald and Robert Daws both play their supporting parts well, and a special mention must go to Arben Bajraktaraj, whose portrayal of the title character is played with a chilling menace whenever he appears on screen.

The Piper moves along at a swift pace in the hands of Anthony Wallers direction with plenty of thrills along the way but ultimately the film does best with some creeping set pieces in which the setting plays a key part and the shocks are all encompassing.

The films gripping climax concludes things almost thoroughly and The Piper ends on a high, with seemingly all ends tied up. Watch all the way through the credits though, and while this wont act as a spoiler, you can guarantee that if you enjoyed The Piper, you will get a little treat as you view right until the very end.

Movie Rating:

Piper on UK digital from 18 November (101 Films)

The Piper trailer