‘Never trust what you see?’
The Turn of the Screw is a 2020 New Zealand horror film about a woman who joins a theatrical production of the titular novel on the evening before opening night. Her first dress rehearsal is more real than she is comfortable with.
Written, directed and co-produced by Alex Galvin (Eternity; When Night Falls), loosely based on the 1898 novella of the same name by Henry James. Also produced by Emma Beale, Nicola Peeperkoorn and Edward Sampson.
The Galvinized Films-Red Tree Creative-Sampson Pictures production stars Greer Phillips (short: The Last Man on Earth; How to Murder Your Wife), Ben Fransham (What We Do in the Shadows; 30 Days of Night; The Ferryman), Sarah Munn (Mortal Engines; Ghost in the Shell; Madness in the Method).
Reviews:
“Despite his 21st-century spin on the story, Galvin treats the source material with utmost respect, and his cast is outstanding — with especial kudos to Jane Waddell, whose performance as housekeeper Mrs Grose is the equal of Megs Jenkins’ in Jack Clayton’s 1961 classic The Innocents.” Berkeleyside
“The Turn of the Screw taps into a fear The Twilight Zone creator Rod Serling described as facing the terror of the unknown alone. Galvin’s entertaining re-telling reinforces the idea while suggesting there’s a very porous border between this fear and being thought a nutter by others.” Beyond Chron
“Fans of classic horror and gothic horror will find plenty to adore and be delighted with in Galvin’s The Turn of the Screw. The performances alone are enough to give it a high recommendation, and the technical aspects, direction, and screenplay seal the deal.” Horror Fuel
“This film latches on to the descent into psychological breakdown both within the story and around the stage production. It’s a nice layer cake of ghosty psychological horror. This is how you properly update the Turn of the Screw. Sorry, Turning. Greer Phillips does a great job…” The Scariest Things
“The modern-day frame-tale is inventive and effectively delivered, with the production’s staging brought to life by some nifty camerawork, direction and terrific lighting […] While the Shyamalan-esque “twist” won’t be to everyone’s liking, there’s a lot to like about this ambitious and clever take on a classic tale…” Stuff
Release date:
In the USA, Mutiny Pictures and Mill Creek Entertainment will release The Turn of the Screw on Digital on March 22nd 2022.
Cast and characters:
Greer Phillips … Julia
Jane Waddell … Mrs. Grose
Ben Fransham … The Uncle
Ralph Johnson … Richard
Ella Olssen … Flora
Sarah Munn … Miss Jessel
Alex Usher … Miles
Eric Consolo … Driver
Technical details:
1 hour 25 minutes
Audio: Dolby Digital
Aspect ratio: 2.35: 1
Related:
Trailer:
