Horribly boring

I can’t complain that the majority of films being released in the cinema are ‘scary’ ones … after all, horror is one of my favourite genres.

Though most of what I have seen in recent years is complete drivel, I never fail to give the newer releases a go, hoping it will be the next Exorcist.

And when it comes to the genre, there’s something more chilling about the films that are based on true events. Just the thought of knowing that some of what is on screen has actually taken place in real life makes the film creepier.

Luckily for me, The Quiet Ones was apparently ‘inspired’ by true events. You know what that means … it pretty much never happened.

I couldn’t wait to be left on the edge of my seat, anticipating the rush, the thrill, the fear and the excitement.

Unfortunately, it never came! The Quiet Ones was predictable and had nothing to set it apart from the rubbish released over the years. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t a bad movie, it just wasn’t what I wanted to watch. It was, well, mediocre. I wanted to jump out of my seat and scream!

I wanted to lie awake at night waiting for things that go bump in the night. Instead, I had slight jolts, followed by eye rolls.

It’s 1974 in England where respected Oxford University professor, Joseph Coupland (Jared Harris) carries out experiments to test his theory that the supernatural is a manifestation of the victim’s mind and is a misunderstanding of how it operates. He believes, and tries to prove, that a mentally ill person can potentially manifest paranormal hauntings in their mind.

However, his experiments were once funded by the university and when the cash to carry them out stops flowing in, he must find another way to prove his theory. His participant, Jane Harper (Olivia Cooke), is a young woman who had a rough childhood she can barely remember and is haunted by paranormal activities.

Professor Coupland gathers a group of enthusiastic students, Krissi (Erin Richards), Harry (Rory Fleck-Byrne) and budding cameraman Brian (Sam Clafin) to stay with him at a secluded house in the countryside so he can continue his experiments on Jane.

Brian quickly develops a crush on Jane that is life threatening. He soon realises that Coupland’s experiments are cruel and abusive and his concern soon puts him in a bad position with Professor Coupland.

However, as the professor pushes Jane to the edge, frightening things begin to take place and they all quickly realise they have triggered something more evil than they could have imagined.

Although this film revolves around clichés such as scary dolls, mysterious occult birthmarks and a genius professor with an ego, its cast make it bearable.

Harris is magnetic as the professor because he has the hard-hearted facial gestures needed to reinforce his authority. He delivers his lines with manipulation and intimidation. It is no surprise that throughout the movie, both Krissi and Harry were gushing over his methods and knowledge.

Both Richards and Fleck-Byrne did a good job as the supporting cast, showing the more playful and witty side to the film, breaking the seriousness into more light-hearted action. Cooke as Jane, however, was mesmerising and portrayed the disturbed young woman with such ease. She was definitely creepy!

However, it was Clafin that stole the show. He brilliantly portrays his enigmatic attraction to Jane. One particular scene where he gives Jane flowers, although a comedic moment, was so heart-breaking and moving.

Overall, this movie is clichéd and will never live up to the classics in the genre. However, if you’re looking for jolts coming from annoying loud noises, this film will do the trick. The casting saves this film from disaster, so at least it’s got that going for it!

* Showing in Cineco