‘Beauty is the beast’
Medusa is a 2020 British supernatural horror film about a young woman who is bitten by a strange snake. Thereafter, her life begins to take a sharp turn for the worst as a deadly virus plagues her body. Also known as Medusa: Queen of the Serpents
Directed by Matthew B.C. (short: Connective Tissue) – making his feature directorial debut – from a screenplay co-written with producer and editor Scott Jeffrey (director of Cannibal Troll; Rats Reborn; Bad Nun: Deadly Vows; Don’t Speak; Cupid; ClownDoll).
The Jagged Edge production stars Megan Purvis (The Mutation; Hatched; Conjuring the Genie; Rise of the Mummy), Sarah T. Cohen (HellKat; Cupid; Witches of Amityville Academy), Nicola Wright (Dragon Fury; Hatched; Don’t Speak), Nicole Nabi (Exorcist Vengeance; Cannibal Troll; Dinosaur Hotel; Bats) and Jamila Martin-Wingett.
Our review:
Matthew B.C.’s directorial debut is a distinct step up for Scott Jeffrey productions and includes some stylish shots we are not used to in such offerings. It begins slowly more like a drama and depicts the kind of unfortunate exploitation of vulnerable young women by scumbag men that goes on around the world.
After a gradual build-up, the horror and revenge elements finally come to the fore. This also provides some of the regulars in these low budget Brit flicks the chance to actually act rather than spout Z movie dialogue. The downside is the initially languid pace which may mean some viewers lose interest. Tighter editing by Mr Jeffrey and a soundtrack mixed higher would have given it more oomph. Still, a thumbs up for Matthew B.C. and the cast.
Other reviews:
“B.C. and Jeffrey have […] done a lot with not much at all here. Some impressive rural photography and great turns from some of Jeffrey’s regulars in unusual (for them) roles – namely Cohen and Wright – make this a slow-burn delight with a solid heart.” Dark Eyes of London
“The first feature from co-writer and director Matthew B.C., Medusa: Queen of the Serpents is quite the calling card for this new talent – he’s obviously made the most of what he had with this film, with the script and performances shining despite the films obvious budgetary limitations…” Nerdly
“With strong females leading Medusa’s charge, this film works better than expected because it deals with characters who are on the very edge of society and makes them sympathetic. Don’t go in for the horror. Go in for the characters. You will be rewarded. This is not an easy task, but the film’s director handles making them sympathetic well.” Reel Reviews
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