Review of Deathwatch (2002) by Cyrus B — 13 May 2008

DEATHWATCH.

Deathwatch(Details here), is a British horror film, showcasing some talent that is largely unknown outside the British isles. With a simple yet highly effective narrative, and a cinematic structure giving new life to the most confined and often the least creative genre, there is a great deal worth watching here.

A British company in 1917 go "over the top" of the trench, only to find themselves shortly after, lost in gas, which upon clearing, the survivors discover themselves lost behind enemy lines and come across a near abandoned trench, where things just go incredibly wrong, a strange mesh of horror soon ensues, leading to confusion and fear.

Performance wise, there is a lot here, the whole cast give believable performances, breathing life into these well written characters who have qualities that capture real life persona's, avoiding any glaring cliché's or stereotypes, some wonderful character play is generated.

The dialogue is a key part, the characters and their attitudes are quite engaging and authentic, with some superb moments of interaction, mostly provided by Andy Serkis and Dean Lennox Kelly. An ample use of dialogue keeps things moving along nicely, without overfilling or leaving a vacuum of speech.

The direction is integral, as with any horror film. Quite a lot of conformity to the genre happens here, although a pleasant piece of intensity enhances the dramatic elements, and the emphasis of the wartime era through use of sound and lighting round it off rather nicely. Not anything special in terms of direction, but certainly capable indeed.

Overall, Deathwatch isn't by any means a masterpiece, however it is unquestionably worthwhile, featuring some solid British talent, executing a great story, that does lose a lot of momentum two thirds of the way through, but does still manage to be a decent film with a perfect ending. Worth a viewing, especially for fans of British cinema, but by no means an amazing film.