By Keri O’Shea
Now here’s a novel idea. We’re all familiar with the anthology – sometimes called ‘portmanteau’ movie, which typically consists of three interlinked stories, or at least three stories with an overarching framework. Why three? Three definitely still seems to be the magic number in storytelling, as it has been in an abundance of folklore and fairy stories for centuries – but perhaps times they are a changin’. The popular ABCs of Death compilations in recent years have proven that there’s an appetite for something a little different. If we can take on board twenty-six short films, then why not go for something between that and the more conventional three?
Revelations, the film about to be featured here, is the first film in a five-part anthology of shorts, and it has an added trick up its sleeve. The idea behind this collection – called The Forces of Horror, and the brainchild of Force of Nature Films head honcho Roger Sampson – is that each film belongs to a separate horror genre, whilst starring the same core actors. See for yourselves what you think; here is Revelations, with a few thoughts from me afterwards.
The nuclear family has found itself under attack from a whole host of nasties down through horror history – supernatural or otherwise – but some of the more interesting films can stem from the idea of assault from within the family unit, which Revelations is doing here. I must confess from the outset, though, that any straightforward idea of ‘each film, one distinct genre’ didn’t quite ring true for me – though director Sampson’s decision to muddy the waters a little (is it a slasher? Is it a possession movie?) did allow for the film to launch a few surprises. When we came to the freezer shot, see, I thought the film had plumped for the oldest twist in the book – mom’s not as white bread as she seems. Finito. The fact that there was more to come was definitely a good thing, and certainly in terms of sustaining audience interest.
I’ll be interested to see what’s yet to come, and how the different genres will come together to make a whole collection of films. Frankly, the whole demonic black-eyed kid cliche works against the film for me, so I’m praying (ironically) that Revelations has more innovative devilry to come, in whatever form it takes.
As a calling card for the Forces of Horror, Revelations isn’t perfect, but goes some way to engendering interest in how the collection of horror yarns are to play out. As just the first of five films, all of which will be different we should probably take that and run. Keep an eye on Roger’s IMDb page to see how things progress from here…