In this era of cinema, the ability to create on screen the wide extremes of the imagination are no longer an impossibility thanks to the power of CGI. Giving film-makers the ability to fully realise their dreams and often allowing directors to redo previous work thanks to the movement in technology. Unfortunately, as technology evolves, as to does nostalgia and this balance between real special effects and that of the computer generated kind seem more favourable of the former in the search for a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

 

The creature features of yesteryear suddenly become cult classics and from a personal perspective, bring terror to a shocking realisation, especially when the creature standing on screen is built from of flesh and hard labour.

 

For those who agree and like their effects as real as the drama unfolding, THE VOID fills a gap (Irony!) that the genre has seen over the past decade. As Hollywood prefers the potentially cheaper option of CGI, a film like THE VOID shows there is still a passion for practical effects and a market for them.

 

Small town police officer Carter (Aaron Poole) comes across a blood soaked man limping down a backstreet road and after rushing him to the nearest hospital, begins to learn what he was running away from is about to catch up. As the hospital quickly becomes hostage to a swarm of white cloaked figures, the events that follow delve the hospitals inhabitants into a nightmare from another world.

 

Blending elements of the best of John Carpenter and Clive Barker yet still managing to add enough originality to stand on its own two, three or four feet, the notion of nostalgic throwback can be used but this is a horror movie for today.

 

ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13 meets THE THING as the tension between the cult-like figures and the events inside the hospital become entangled in the same madness. Violent, tense and action packed, THE VOID is a film not to be missed. The build up is masterfully paced and as the madness ensues, the terror cranks up until the final moments and even then it will have you reaching to rewind.

 

Every scene is bathed in passion for the genre and despite balancing a budget of a mere percentage of any Hollywood franchise, the guys at Astron 6 manage to make it all work and no stone is left unturned. They’re work on such big movies as SUICIDE SQUAD, CRIMSON PEAK and SILENT HILL all give them a track record to count on but they’re real talent is when they take full control and take a seat in the director’s chair and here add another classic to their resume. Those who’ve already seen FATHER’S DAY and MANBORG will already have an inkling as to what is on offer but neither can prepare for how much the action and effects are notched up here. The tension of the situation is never let down and only intensifies throughout and as more and more of the films plot come to light, the graphic violence adds up too.

 

It’s been a long time since a film like this has come around and will be a while longer before another does.A mastery of tension, soundtrack and plenty of iconic moments all packed into 90 minutes, what else could a horror fan ask for? THE VOID is not just THE horror film of the year, it’s a classic that will be revered for years to come.

 

 

Signature Entertainment presents The Void at UK cinemas from 31st March on Digital 7th April and DVD & Blu-ray on 24th April. 

 

Tickets: https://www.ourscreen.com/film/The-Void

Director: Osgood Perkins

Released: 31st March 2017 (US)

Running Time: 93 minutes

Age Rating: 15

 

Reviewer: Martyn Wakefield