Magazine Review Writing

As I can't create the look of the magazine review at home without the appropriate software, I will just do the writing for it so it will be ready when I need it.

The Intruder: Short Film takes audiences by surprise with dark story line and unpredictable twists.

Review of "The Intruder": Jack Grimshaw's first short film a fast paced, enjoyable, fresh take on horror.

Low budget films are often limited in their production, with the results often not being up to standard, however Jack Grimshaw's first adventure into short films has not disappointed. The story-line of a young, vulnerable girl coming home to be stalked by a mysterious, threatening figure grips the audience from the very first scene. The film is great for the younger audiences who know not to misjudge the vulnerable looking characters.

Niamh Gallagher takes the character of Abigail and makes it her own, coming into the role with great comfort and creating an easy to relate to character for the audience who can feel like they know her very early on, despite her lack of dialogue throughout. The connection the audience can make to 'Abigail' makes them feel very sympathetic towards her, meaning the appearance of the intruder is a lot scarier for the audience. Matthew Levesley helps to create the mysterious character who, despite remaining unnamed throughout the film, strikes an uneasy feeling into the audience every time he appears on screen. The fact that we are seemingly unaware of why Levesley is in the home makes the idea of his intrusion so much more creepy, the audience are in the dark for much of the film.

Tension is built up very well through the use of camera angles and soundtracks, building up to the moment of realisation from Abigail that she is not alone. The use of music in the short film helps to truly optimise the viewing experience, with the climatic, unexpected ending matching the music perfectly. Despite the fact that we have no dialogue to connect with Abigail, the audience finds themselves desperately wishing for Abigail to come out unharmed. The ending leaves us wishing for more, with unanswered questions plaguing our minds, but Grimshaw gives us no peace of mind, leaving the enigma of the short film completely open to interpretation. For a first attempt at a solo first short film, Grimshaw's enigmatic and open minded thriller is not short of the mark.

4*