A Curious Tale

At times spooky, unsettling and intriguing, a Curious Tale is a great indepedent short film looking into Sussex folklore. If you like Midsummer murders, Jonathan Creek, or have an interest in forgotten English history then you will love this. The beautiful original score was a personal highlight.

I am very interested in films and television shows that have a tale to tell that is something out of the ordinary; therefore, this particular film trailer is definitely of interest to me. The historical themes in the trailer portray a very mysterious and dark vibe; and the sepia and black & white filters only benefit this further, overall creating an intriguing ghost story. The trailer has a realistic element to it which captivates the viewer and lots of familiar locations from Sussex that I have visited before myself. I can't wait to see the full length feature.

I've watched many of this directors films and have followed his work these past ten years or so, so its a joy to see he has now moved into an all new genre of film making, that being, an old english ghost story. Much of his previous work has been 'musical' - so this is a real getaway from his usual film escapades. I'm therefore pleased to say that this film really works, which is greatly lead by its sumptuous musical soundtrack.

A new rendition of the famous M. R. James novella. 'A Warning to the Curious' sees a new protagonist played by Tindal, getting into all sorts of bother when he discovers a lost fabled crown.

There's a new slant to this version, which is refreshing, almost tongue in cheek, which is full of twists and turns, with nothing as it seems, making you feel uneasy from start to finish for our hero, (Tindal) Watch out for an outstanding piece of cinematography when there's a chilling dream sequence of a female ghost, a predator, who appears to be an alley of the doomed spectre, William Hagar, really quite frightening, which plays out along with the ever haunting Mozart classic 'Lacrimosa' - stirring stuff indeed.

On a technical level the production is high, good sweeping landscapes, some beautifully shot aerial sequences from PJ Herber, nicely paced editing, along with taught direction, and a wonderful film score from Jeff Crampton. At no point do any of the scenes outstay their welcome, the plot really does move along fast. The overall cast appear to be largely unknown, however, they play it within character rather well, and it really is quite enchanting to watch. The film does what it sets out to do - bringing in good suspense, atmosphere, creepiness and a general fear of the unknown. The plot here really is a 'whodunnit' and leaves you wondering. For the low budget, praise goes to the producers indeed. Highly recommended. A nice slant on the often all too familiar horror genre. Great viewing on a cold winters night. Track it down if you can.

(Of note and as I write I noticed this film has just picked up another award as 'Best Thriller' - deservedly so)

If you're into independent low-budget filmmaking and after something that takes it's time, prioritising mood and a celebration of the South-East of England over a rushed story, A Curious Tale is something you may be curious about! It's the kind of thing that you can't help but keep watching to see what happens next and to whom... a fun, clever take on an old folk-tale deeply rooted in it's appreciation of the lore and legend of it's much-revered setting.

At times spooky and often David Lynch-ian in it's oddness, it carries a vibe that is uncomfortable yet fascinating. Very entertaining and a great effort from filmmaker Leigh Tarrant.

I have only recently come across the term Folk Horror, but A Curious Tale would no doubt belong to this genre of film. Based on local folklore and filmed in the glorious English countryside, director Leigh Tarrant has an eye for capturing the beauty of the rural locations, whilst at the same time creating an atmosphere that wants you to get back to the big city as soon as possible.

Some good character actors portraying a story of death and hidden treasure, this is less than an hour in length, so no sense of drag. Because of this it has the feel of one the classic Hammer House of Horror stories or Tales of the Unexpected.

I won't give anything else away, suffice to say some treasure should stay buried!