Reviewed by Victor Rebikoff.
Director: Michael Pearce, Icon Film Distribution, M 107 Minutes.
In his first feature film, director Michael Pearce has scripted what can be best described as an engrossing but intriguing psychological murder mystery encompassing a romantic drama between two rejected personalities from within the family and the community.
The sinister storyline is set within the small island community of Jersey in the English Channel where Moll (Jessie Buckley –‘The Tempest’), a troubled young woman, lives with her parents including her haughty and manipulative mother, Hilary (Geraldine James -‘Daphne’).
It is at her birthday party that a distressed Moll suddenly decides to leave, running into a nearby bar getting drunk and then dancing with a guy all night before meeting the mysterious stranger Pascal (Johnny Flynn –‘Song One’).
Their romantic relationship causes enormous anguish for Moll’s repulsive mother and is made more difficult in light of a number of murders involving young women, with police indicating that the strange Pascal may be their prime suspect.
Despite everyone’s suspicions Moll still moves in with Pascal, determined to maintain their sensual relationship, until she is informed of his aggressive behaviour towards women by a police detective friend which begins to cast doubts in her mind.
At the same time Moll’s own violent past is revealed in attacking a school friend, and during a hunting trip with Pascal she reacts to his shooting of a rabbit in a beastly manner.
In the end their relationship spirals out of control once Moll learns the real identity of the serial killer, resulting in an unexpected tragedy for both lovers.
There is no doubt that Pearce in his directorial debut has made a thrilling murder mystery filled with many twists and turns complemented by a smart script and some splendid settings.
One of the major highlights would have to be the impressive performances of Buckley and Flynn, not to mention that of James, especially her frightening portrayal as Moll’s mother.
In relation to the surprising conclusion, one would need to seriously ponder as to the identity of the real beast.
Vic’s Verdict: 3 ½ Stars
