Heartless

Sony Pictures

R4 DVD

Now that the entire U.S. film industry seems to be in a state of withdrawal there is a chance for smaller firms and independents to move into the gaps. The British seem to be making a push into horror but with their own style – original, thoughtful plots, a lack of the stereotype characters of the U.S. films, and a high level of skill in the production. Heartless is one of these.

Jamie, a troubled young man, lives in London’s East End which is one of the most violent parts of London. The problem that has haunted him through his life is a large heart-shaped birthmark around his left eye. He wears a hooded jacket to keep his face in shadow when he goes out on the street and is only comfortable with his understanding family.

Currently the East End is being terrorised by a group of youths in hoodies and demon masks who firebomb innocent people. Jamie has seen one of them closeup and knows that the demon face is that of a real demon, not a mask. One night he and his mother become victims of a firebomb attack and she dies. Looking for vengeance, he is directed to Papa B who appears to be Satan (or at least an embodiment of Satan) who offers him a deal. He can have whatever he most wants in exchange for performing an act of graffiti and therefore adding his little bit of Chaos to the world. Jamie agrees. His birthmark that has held him back for so long is gone and his selfconfidence is high. He even meets a girl and they fall in love.

Before the feeling wanes he is visited by Satan’s offsider, the WeaponsMaster. He tells Jamie that the deal has now been changed. No deal with the Devil is ever straight – he is the ultimate deceiver. Jamie won’t agree but after a demonstration of Satan’s power leaves him bruised and injured he realises he has no choice. He is required to kill a man and place the fresh heart on the steps of a church by midnight – tonight. He has no choice and goes through with the murder, but if he is ever to be free he must have a showdown with Satan.

The film is mostly filmed at night, but skilled cinematography gives us a clear look at what is going on – unlike the U.S. approach of having everything dark and murky in the name of “atmosphere”. Director Philip Ridley does not overemphasis the horror with screaming women and chainsaws. Rather he lets a subtle feeling of menace do the work as it closes in on Jamie. The only relief is when Jamie manages to kill some of the demons. Even when you think he has finally triumphed there is a last twist to the story.

This is a top quality film from a rising director. Its originality gives it a fresh look and the treatment of the horror aspects is refreshing. I recommend it.

Reviews appear on the Synergy website with a single cover image. In the digital and print edition, reviews appear with multiple images and with expanded content.

This review will appear in Volume 4 No. 1 of the digital and print edition of Synergy.

We recommend you download the free digital edition (or buy the print edition) to get the most from Synergy. The print and digital editions of Synergy also include a large selection of articles and features not found on the website. If you have a limited download quota you can view the digital edition via the Issuu viewer on the digital edition page.

If you came to this page directly (and missed our menu), click here to go to the front page of Synergy Website or use the following link: http://www.synergy-magazine.com