Mile End

Superb music, excellent photography. Unlikeable characters, drags on way too long and goes nowhere. The script is poor. The American guy is a good actor, as is the main guy. Everyone else is terrible. Try it!

After watching the film's trailer, I became deeply intrigued. Without giving away any spoilers, I found the movie to be highly captivating, and just when I thought I had the storyline figured out, it managed to surprise me yet again.

The deliberate, unhurried tempo of this film had me on the edge of my seat, skilfully weaving in potential subtle clues about the unfolding mystery, 'lipstick' as an example!

It's definitely a must-watch!

Everyone has a favourite character, and I, in particular, found 'John,' brought to life by Mark Arnold, to be exceptionally skilled in crafting a character you're supposed to despise but can't help secretly liking.

#ShutterIslandVibes.

Not sure how this movie received 9 out of 9 rave reviews prior to this, but its rating has been way overinflated. This movie feels like not much happens, and it takes a long time for that nothing to happen. In theory there are some events which would normally drive a plot forward, but nobody really even notices them. For a moment, we are tricked into believing that we could care about the characters, but they range from a blank cipher to a charismatic psychopath. Nothing much is explained, despite some attempts to give the characters a back story. This is a _very_ slow burn, with essentially no payoff. Please spare yourself the time.

An unsettling thriller with some genuinely scary moments that I didn't see coming and had me jumping out of my seat! The acting was excellent, the hero a totally believable ordinary bloke of the sort you might work with or live next to, placed in a sinister situation which again, you could imagine yourself being drawn into unwittingly. The film develops an atmosphere of creepiness, claustrophobia and menacing psychological dysfunction which is enhanced by contrasting expansive views of the London's riverside, where which much of the action is set. Mark Arnold as John is really scary and threatening- he'd make a very good Bond villain! There are some surprising twists and a really satisfying ending.

I saw this film at the I Filmmaker International Film Festival in Marbella which was a really lovely festival and the screening conditions were great, this allowed us to see the films with good sound and get a real idea of their quality. And talking about quality I was surprised at the quality of Mile End knowing how little the budget had been (speaking to director G Higgins). As you watch it it gets better and better and pulls you in. The actors are good and the chemistry between them works well, suspense builds too. I am looking forward to seeing this directors new works and also what will happen when he gets a production company and money behind him. Would recommend this film!