Crucible of the Vampire

Crucible Of the Vampire: An interesting Folk Horror film which has echoes of Witchfinder General, The Wicker Man and the Vampire Lovers. A young archaeologist, Isabelle (Katie Goldfinch) travels to a Gothic stately pile to examine half a cauldron which has been found during renovations. This may be the missing half of a Druidic cauldron which Isabelle's University holds. The family at the old house are rather creepy with the father apparently intent on selling the artifact. The dancing daughter has her sights set on Isabelle. There are flashbacks to the 17th Century when a Witchfinder and his soldiers hang a man they accuse of sorcery and cleave his cauldron in twain. The local woods are reputed to have been cursed by evil since ancient times. Some of the effects are a bit ropey but there are are effective dream and vision sequences. The mansion provides long corridors for chasing and the Vampires do have some bite. Not a classic but worth watching. Directed and Co-Written by Iain Ross-McNamee. I watched the Director's Cut on Flick Vault. 6/10.

A young museum curator (Katie Goldfinch) is sent to a country manor a few hours northwest of London to investigate an artefact unearthed in the basement. The family seems nice, but strange things start to mount up, causing the woman to want to flee. Florence Cady is on hand as the questionable blonde daughter of the estate.

"Crucible of the Vampire" (2019) is low-budget Indie horror in the tradition of Hammer Films. Although a flaw surfaces here or there, such as the introduction of Scarlet (Cady), the filmmaking is professional enough. The focus is on creepy mood rather than fast pace or constant thrills, although everything builds to an exciting last act in which the F/X are impressive considering the budget.

Carla Cresswell in the prologue stands out in the female department, a great way to open the movie.

If you don't mind low-budget Indies and are in the mood for spooky atmosphere at an old British mansion in the mold of "Jane Eyre," "House of Usher," "The Others," "Dracula, Prince of Darkness" and "Witchfinder General" (aka "Conqueror Worm"), give it a watch.

The flick runs 1 hour, 44 minutes and was shot in Shropshire, England, which is about 3 hours northwest of London and about 45 minutes northwest of Birmingham.

GRADE: B-

Like so many indie low-budget films around at the moment this film had a story that could have turned in to a really good movie, but was spoiled by lack of attention to detail and not giving much thought to creating atmosphere.

Very poor use of lighting for much of the film which felt more like a corporate video at times, and camera angles that didn't allow the viewer to visually construct a world they could become engaged in or be drawn in to.

These are things that don't cost money and don't take much time to give thought to. They had the tools but not the creativity to use them to best effect.

It is such a shame when an indie film has such potential to be really good.

The acting was OK considering the experience of many of the actors - but again it felt like there was significant lack of direction or exploration in the scene.

Then there is attention to detail at the location. It was plainly obvious that this is not someone's house (let alone home), with fire points and commercial hotel like equipment in just about every shot. These could have been easily moved or disguised. Again, attention to detail was lacking.

It is not a bad movie by any means, but don't expect much from it.

If you are willing to accept all the aspects that come with a low budget, such as unpolished camera work, amateur acting and lack of special effects, than this is a decent niece film to watch for those who like vampire movies or low budget horror.

The main actress was the only one that could portray a realistic character with some depth of emotion. Never the less, the suspension is decent in this one.

If you like polished high-end Hollywood blockbusters skip this one, if you appreciate low budget fun projects, add this to your watch list.

Young historian Isabelle is sent to an old manor house to investigate an ancient artefact. The family living in the house are friendly and nothing seems amiss. However, it is soon clear that a dark mystery hangs over the house and the artefact.

I set my expectations very low for this. It seemed like your average B-grade horror film, complete with no-name cast (Neil Morrissey is the exception).

However, it's isn't that bad. The plot is okay and writer-director Iain Ross-McNamee creates a decent amount of tension. Performances aren't bad and neither are the production values (though one or two special effects leave something to be desired).

A pleasant surprise.