top of page

Torment

If John Carpenter, James Wan, George Romero and Dario Argento are the godfathers of horror, Jason Figgis is the undiscovered son as his repetoir of films simply is undeniable. THE ECSTASY OF ISABEL MANN, CHILDREN OF A DARKER DAWN (aka THE RAILWAY CHILDREN) and DON’T YOU RECOGNISE ME show his ability to take any of the genres traits and make it his own. Vampires, Zombies and ruthless criminals have all been covered and now TORMENT brings a revenge thriller akin to the likes of SAW and BURIED with an emotional core.

 

As always, while the tone and theme are instantly familiar, Figgis’ latest movie pulls its own spin on the told tale and while the events seem to tread an obvious path, they spin off into a whirlwind of emotional torment for captor and captive.

 

Interwining two stories, one of a hostage held buried (Bill Fellows) with only an intercom tormenting him of his dark past, the other a story of grief and the couple (Cora Fenton and Bryan Murray) who have lost everything. As the stories develop it becomes instantly aparrent how both stories came about and their connectivity and as the film reaches its shocking climax, the two are glued together with dramtic effect.

 

Like Figgis other work, TORMENT is a low budget production and as ever, Figgis deals with this with a powerful script and even stronger performances. Cora Fenton is instantly the star of the film and playing against vetreran actors is a testament to her delivery. As the tormented mother, the emotional scale she delivers is off the charts and far reaching unlike any other. As the title suggests, there is no solitude of happiness in the film and even as the film ends, the dread and miserable tale extends further.

 

Along with the dreary camerawork and solemn soundtrack, TORMENT is a depressing movie and one that does not avoid bringing any terror, as the script unravels, the discovery of how these stories connects is what keeps you on the edge of your seat despite whatever misery the film trhows at you and this proves witness to why Jason Figgis needs to be recognised as one of horror’s flaming beacons. While his low budget library may deter many, it’s a shame that he remains still undiscovered by the mass of the horror community and TORMENT further proves why he needs to be recognised.

Director: Jason Figgis

Released:  2017

Running Time: 80 minutes

Age Rating: TBC

 

Reviewer: Martyn Wakefield

RATING


Plot: 4
Fear: 3
Gore: 1


R4/5​

bottom of page