In the Grip of Terror

The first Amicus horror film in fifty years is a heartfelt valentine to the portmanteau releases of the 60s and 70s.

The film has a quality and feel that transcends it's budget and each segment is lovingly constructed and executed in fine fashion by the willing cast. It was fantastic to see well known screen talents such as Jane Merrow and Laurence Harvey adding their presence to the feature, as the earlier Amicus films were full to the brim of the great character actors and actresses of their times.

A triumph for director Lawrie Brewster and screenwriter Sarah Daly, we can but hope that this is first of many new releases under the treasured historic brand.

Once upon a time or last century Amicus released seven portmanteau films; Dr. Terror's House of Horrors (1965), Torture Garden (1967), The House That Dripped Blood (1971), Tales from the Crypt (1972), Asylum (1972), Vault of Horror (1973) and From Beyond the Grave (1974). These films typically feature four or sometimes five short horror stories, linked by an overarching plot featuring a narrator and those listening to his story. In 2025 Lawrie Brewster and his team made an eighth. This new films features has old pros Jane Merrow & Laurence R. Harvey as well as new talent. All the stories revolve around a hospital and make good use real sets in a real gothic church. The film even look like it was made in the late 60's with retro cinematography, camera angles, set design and costumes. This isn't the type of film to watch while distracted but one you have to pay attention or may miss important details. A thoroughly enjoyable throwback that I look forward to watching again.

Get a grip, because AMICUS IS BACK with this anthology that will take you on a terrifying ride! Travelers arrive at a mysterious hospital, only to be met by the unsettling Dr. Graves. As the stories unfold, secrets emerge, and life and death become a twisted game. Can you handle the Grip of Terror?

A true golden mark for the return of Classic British Horror and the resurrection of Amicus Productions with it's first film in almost 50 years with a twist of the Gothic and macabre along with psychological aspects that's sure to bring back the classics!

A junior doctor, Doctor Mancher (Dorian Todd), is "dying" to win a wager to spend the night with a dead patient in a dank locked room. Young nurse Charlotte Gibbons (Megan Tremethick) sneaks onto the so-called 'One Way Ward' for seemingly terminally-ill patients. And Doctor Hawyer(Nick Ford) gets a prescription for obsession. He quickly becomes fixated on a missing colleague's experiments on disturbed patients.

'In The Grip of Terror' has a grip on greatness that's to die for, delivering a psychologically thrilling horror experience that will leave you breathless. With its eerie ambiance, amazing cast, impressive cinematography, and compelling storyline, this movie is a grave concern for those who can't handle a good scare!

'In the grip of Terror' premiered at the Romford Film Festival 2025.

It is the first collaboration between Laurie Brewster's 'Hex'/British Horror Studio and the Subotsky family, the heirs of Amicus.

Four people are summoned to a decaying hospital by the mysterious Doctor Graves who knows about their history.

One, a junior doctor, Doctor Marcher (Dorian Todd), agrees to a self-serving wager to spend the night with a dead patient in a dank locked room.

Another, young nurse Charlotte Gibbons (Megan Tremethick), sneaks on to the so-called 'One Way Ward' for seemingly terminally-ill patients.

A late arrival for the mysterious doctor's summoning is Doctor Hawyer(Nick Ford). He quickly become obsessed with a missing colleague's experiments on disturbed patients.

'In the grip of Terror' is a serious horror film with it's interconnected stories.

It is set in a supposedly distant past where 'disturbed' and dying patients were kept out of sight.

However, 'Hex'/British Horror Studio' have put their own stamp on the Amicus classics.

The gothic dungeon-like rooms and studies are like those of 'Slave and the Sorceror, and the recent 'Reign of Queen Ginnarra' Those film actors Megan Tremethick, Dorian Todd along with Peter Mahoney, Michael Daviot, Jonathan Handler and others have done a great job with 'In the grip of Terror'.

The film doesn't overstay its welcome and will hopefully bring back the Golden Age of British Horror.

By Mark Gibbons.