Review of Wake Wood (2011) by John N — 01 Oct 2011

7.5/10.

As you may already know - that is, if you know anything about me at all -, one of my absolute favorite films of all-time is Anthony Shaffer's brilliant occult masterpiece "The Wicker Man"; a thriller so rich with artistic detail that it might just take two-three more viewings to actually "get" the movie. I've seen it plenty of times, and it's improved significantly the more I watch it. So, given that it's a favorite, I'm typically overjoyed when a film takes elements from that film and either pays homage to the material or gives it a new flavor. Edgar Wright was one of those people who "paid homage" to the great film in his hilarious multi-genre spoof "Hot Fuzz"; which, much like "The Wicker Man", only gets better as you see it more-and-more. However, few films have truly taken the most basic of ideas from the original film and succeeded in making something worth spreading the word about. The newest film to remind me ever-so-fondly of "The Wicker Man" is the Irish horror feature, "Wake Wood". It's the kind of movie where you don't know what to expect going in, but in the end, you get a pleasant surprise. And yes, even horror films can have those.

I'll never understand why films as good as this one don't get the attention that they deserve. Perhaps, like the film it draws most of its influence from, "Wake Wood" will someday get a sort of cult following. A handful of the critics who saw it liked it; but the handful, unfortunately, is not really all that big. I agree with pretty much anyone who praised the film based on its atmosphere and attention to detail; it's probably better than AT LEAST 80% of the mainstream horror films releasing this year. So, with that being said, why not explore the genre and watch it? I can't say it's a fantastic horror film, but it's effectively creepy, and when it's brilliant, it's VERY brilliant. Most of this "brilliance" that I speak of comes in the form of little scenes in scenarios, but ask yourselves this; is that not enough to satisfy?

A husband-and-wife - a vet and a pharmacist - loose their daughter to the gnashing teeth of a fierce canine. Grieving over her passing, they move to a secluded town known as Wakewood. They find solace with the local population of the area, who seem mysterious at first, but friendly nonetheless. They also find work; GOOD work. The townsfolk are very pleased indeed. The man who seemingly runs the town is Arthur (Timothy Spall), who hides a dark but fascinating secret from most newcomers. When revealed, the film just gets all-the-more intriguing, and since it appears that most plot synopsis's spoil it for you, I think I'll reveal the "big twist", since it's crucial to the rest of the movie.

Arthur learns of the tragic demise of the couple's child, and informs them that, with their permission and the help of the local folk, he can bring back their daughter free-of-charge. After some thinking, they agree to go through with it; snatching a finger from their kid's now-rotting corpse, and attending whatever ritual that makes this action possible. To their surprise, it works; and their daughter is with them yet again. The couple is overjoyed; and Arthur is happy that they are well. However, there is a catch; the child can only remain alive for three days, which should give the couple enough time to say goodbye the proper way. However, they want to keep their sweet baby-girl forever, so the question is: what will they do - or, what will Arthur and the inhabitants of Wakewood do - when it's time for the child to return to her grave?

By using deception and a very memorable and great scene of ritual performance, "Wake Wood" is indeed a clone of "The Wicker Man"; but it's a pretty good one. In that sense, maybe clone isn't the right word. It reimagines many of the ideas from the earlier film instead of merely copying them. I appreciated that, and who wouldn't? Horror fans will be very pleased by the skill and time that was put into this film; call it a quality product, if you will. It's an interesting, never-boring, consistently entertaining chiller that's as spooky as it is admirably well-made. The only problem I have with the film, as it is, would be the final act; which is still fun to watch unfold, but it's a little absurd. You'll see what I mean if and when you see the film, and believe me, even though it is ever-so-far from greatness, it's still worth a good watch. I recommend it, as much as I can, and from where I'm standing, leaving it at that might be a damn good idea.