Acorn, out now

It’s 1843 and a young girl is interrogated about the events surrounding her grandmother’s sudden departure.

Writer/director Edoardo Vitaletti’s feature debut has plenty of period authenticity, but its deliberate pace and limited moments of horror makes it a frustrating watch for anyone expecting a bit of oomph. It’s only 85 minutes but feels much longer.

We begin promisingly with Mary (Stefanie Scott) tied to a chair, blood pouring out from behind a blindfold, questioned by the Interrogator (Daniel Pearce). And so begins the movie-long flashback that catalogues the relationship between Mary and housemaid Eleanor (Isabelle Fuhrman, Orphan) which shocks their God-fearing community. And when a mysterious stranger (Rory Culkin) starts to cause mischief, supernatural elements are introduced.

Robert Eggers’ folk horror The VVitch is an obvious comparison, though the ending here lacks the great revelations that we’re hoping for. The acting is strong and structurally the story is fine, it just lacks the punch that you deserve after committing your time. Acorn’s DVD release includes a photo gallery.

Verdict: Horror fans will fill cheated, while those only looking for a spooky period drama might be sated. 6/10

Nick Joy