Alice Lowe is a triple threat as writer, director and star in the revenge thriller with a bump. This is her feature directorial and she’s certainly learnt a few tricks of the trade along the way. Her work on the script for Ben Wheatley’s SIGHTSEERS peers through and for anyone who has seen the 2012 cult classic will know what to expect here.

 

After the death of her husband, Ruth (Lowe) learns she is pregnant but rather than take her pregnancy lightly, she sets out on a path of vengeance against those who caused her husband to die. Lowe brings a sense of realism in a story that is often over glamourised or brutally cut and behind PREVENGE’s vicious blood splattering is a heavy dose of humour. Throughout the film, it’s always a tough line between whether you should laugh or be shocked yet never does it feel over the top.

 

The supporting cast of British comics (Dan Renton Skinner, Tom Davis, Jo Hartley and Kayvan Novak) do justice to the script along with some tenured Hollywood talent in Kate Dickie (THE WITCH, PROMETHEUS) and as Ruth takes her spree to town, her victims bring their own challenges amidst some pitch black, razor sharp humour. However, all of the star talent plays second fiddle to Alice Lowe who really steals the show as the cynically minded lead. Never has a meeting between patient and mid-wife been so hilariously short and as she picks up a pub DJ, the unfolding events are tear retchingly cringe-worthy.

 

PREVENGE keeps to a similar tone to SIGHTSEERS and behind its humour shares more poignant moments that really bring the film to heart. Her lust for revenge is charged by rage but deep down her loss has bought an empty life for Ruth and her child. There is no denying that this is near flawless and what is more impressive is that while the film feels grounded, Lowe’s ability to make and star in this film while she was actually pregnant only adds another layer of brilliance to the passion and commitment that this film brings.

 

There’s something so fundamentally British that may not translate across the shores but not that that matters. On these lands, PREVENGE is the perfection of British cinema where comedy meets horror like lovers entwined in a lasting relationship. SHAUN OF THE DEAD, SIGHTSEERS, INBRED and now PREVENGE, this is a must-see for any fan of the genre.

 

While there’s currently no plan for a second baby, PREVENGE leaves with cravings for more, not just from the film, but from its triple threat star who really has proven herself a successful master of her art.