Review of Wake Wood (2011) by Ed Fucking H — 05 Jul 2011

Rules are rules. They aren't made for no reason. Eventually, you will find out the consequences.

'Wake Wood' is another film from horror icon Hammer Films-part of their revival. It was finished by 2009 but was never released in theaters here in the U.S. You'd think it would be bad since it wasn't, especially since it hit theaters in the UK and was immediately going to come out on DVD there. However, 'Wake Wood' is a creepy, atmospheric film, and it is FAR better than Hammer's last attempt 'The Resident'.

'Wake Wood' tells the tale of a heartbroken couple, who's child was killed in a savage attack by a dog. When they move to WakeWood- the location is spelled as one word- they notice that everything isn't exactly normal. But when they find out they can have three more days with their beloved, they take it up -no matter what the consequences may be.

Not being a parent, I can't imagine the pain the couple was going through, but the great acting helped me understand. Eva Birthistle was perfect as the parent who couldn't cope. Her facial expressions were so great, and her pain was almost tangible, that it was no surprise that she jumped at the chance to bring her daughter back. However, there was the father played by Aidan Gillen. He was the one trying to keep control, trying to be strong for his wife, but underneath it all, his pain could be felt. My only criticism for Gillen (and it isn't his fault) is his mouth. Sometimes he looks like he's smiling when its a sad situation, but then I realized that his mouth is like that. Its not like he can change his mouth. But that aside, he was good.

Now, I bet you're wondering how scary it is. Well, it isn't so much as a scary film but a sad, horrifically sad one. Its sad because of the couple who lost their daughter, especially how they lost her.Its sad how the ritual to bring her back went awry because they didn't heed one of the rules to bringing back the dead.The film was just one big bloody, sad tragedy. It think that's why 'Wake Wood' is so effective to me. It isn't so much the scares, but the sympathy. The sympathy we had for the characters piles on with every incident that happens. It's almost like Hammer's other remake-effort (and most successful) 'Let Me In'. The scares aren't what make either one of these stories effective, but its the sympathy for the characters, and what follows them.

'Wake Wood' is a solid effort from Hammer Films. It may not be terribly original, but its effective all the same. It is in my opinion that the film will gain a cult following, and that's exactly what it deserves.