Starring Jessica Brown Findlay, John Heffernan, Sean Harris, John Lynch

Directed by Christopher Smith

Vertigo Films, out now on digital platforms

A young reverend, his wife and her daughter move into a manor with a horrifying secret.

Director Christopher Smith’s (Triangle, Creep, Severance) haunted house movie features a strong British cast and some atmospheric building-up of tension, yet almost feels embarrassed to go for the full scare. As a result, the over-familiar story never really has an edge over any number of British period chillers.

Marianne (Jessica Brown Findlay, Brave New World) and Linus (John Heffernan, Dracula) move in to a spooky old rectory with the former’s young daughter, who was born out of wedlock. Linus makes it clear that he has saved his ‘fallen’ wife, but there’s no sexual chemistry or desires. It’s not long before whispered voices are heard in empty rooms, spooky monks are spotted in the shadows and the property’s secrets are uncovered.

We’re in Borley Rectory, once daubed ‘the most haunted house in England’, but luckily psychic investigator Harry Price (an unhinged Sean Harris, Possum) is on hand to expose the lies shared by Bishop Malachi (John Lynch, Chimera) about the former occupants. As the world edges closer to war, the young family have to confront their own demons and the spirits attached to the house.

Solid, well-made drama, but if you’ve ever seen The Woman in Black or one of the many adaptations of The Turn of the Screw, you’ll find nothing new here to nourish you beyond the often ripe performances.

Verdict: Perfectly-serviceable but ultimately unremarkable chills that won’t bother your dreams. For those who like their horror dialled down, in the reassuring company of Downton Abbey’s Lady Sybil. 7/10

Nick Joy

 

THE BANISHING is available now on digital platforms and will stream on Shudder beginning 15th April