The Midnight Horror: 'Blackwood' (2013)

♰ Welcome to The Midnight Horror! ♰

As I sit here, fighting the heavy eyelids brought on by an insufficient supply of caffeine, I’m determined to get this review down for you. I recently stumbled upon a hidden flick from 2013, a British ghost story called Blackwood. Directed by Adam Wimpenny and penned for the screen by J.S. Hill, this flick had flown under my radar until recently. Initially, I could have sworn it was an adaptation of some long-lost horror novel, but lo and behold, it’s an original creation—bravo!

So, what’s the spine-tingling synopsis? Ed Stoppard (you might know him from The Musketeers or The Pianist) stars as Ben Marshal, a college professor trying to piece his life back together after a tumultuous emotional breakdown. He decides that a fresh start in the serene countryside of the Blackwood estate is just what the doctor ordered. But peace is a fickle friend at Blackwood, as Ben finds himself haunted by chilling visions of a murder he believes occurred in his new home. What begins as a picturesque retreat quickly spirals into a chilling exploration of lies, betrayal, and the sinister underbelly of this seemingly idyllic estate.

At first glance, the plot feels like a parallel universe crossover between The Shining and a less grandiose indie horror flick. A couple, wrestling with marital woes, relocates with their young son to a remote house, only to be confronted by the supernatural—or at least Ben seems to think so. The familiar tropes echo through the film, especially in the latter half of its 90-minute runtime. Yet, while the echoes might feel familiar, the execution is anything but ordinary. I’ll admit, the ending had its predictable moments, but just when I thought I had it all figured out, the film sent a shiver down my spine with a clever twist I didn’t see coming.

Blackwood is a slow-burning tale masquerading as a ghost story, but oh boy, it’s so much more than that. Describing it without giving away its clever surprises is a tricky endeavor; you really just have to experience it for yourself. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The film pays homage to the old-school horror vibes, with a director who clearly poured his heart and soul into every frame. The performances are good, the scenes are tense, and the musical score creeps under your skin.

Out of all the films in the Midnight Horror marathon, Blackwood stands out as one I would willingly revisit, candlelight and popcorn at the ready, for another round of deliciously eerie storytelling. ╌★★★★★

〜B.J. Burgess