REVIEW: Nocturne

- By Sooz Webb

It’s a story horror fans know well. A bunch of mates get together in jovial celebration, the drinks start to flow and then it’s not long before someone gets the ol’ ouija board out. But it’s the approach to this recognizable tale which can transform an ‘Oh, here we go again’ flick, into a ‘Well, I didn’t see that coming’ film. Thankfully, that’s exactly the case for Stephen Shimek’s Nocturne, which interweaves a familiar theme with fresh and challenging ideas.

Celebrating their recent graduation, six friends find that home baked treats and a few cases of beer aren’t enough of a draw, when another classmate in town has booked a DJ for their blowout. Determined to make the most of the evening, rather than lose face and crash the other bash, the group continue their festivities as an intimate gathering. Booze flows, and the conversation turns to a philosophical debate about the validity of religion and the supernatural. Determined to make a point that the metaphysical is nothing more than parlour tricks, charismatic Gabe (Jake Stormoen) uses his deck of cards to make an impromptu portal to the beyond. Unfortunately, something heard their call. Something with a hunger for bloody vengeance.

With a script from Kristi Shimek, Katy Baldwin and the director himself, we are introduced to a group of actualised characters, rather than cardboard cannon fodder, which can often happen within films of this specification. There is time to develop familiarity with personalities and idiosyncrasies, meaning you actually give a crap when things start to take a turn for the worse. It could be argued that a little bit too much time was taken, as occasionally the film starts to lose pace because of detailed exposition. But that’s a minor point, and one well worth overlooking, once the action of the piece really starts to kick off. The ingenuity and execution of ideas, all set up from the start, make the pay-off unexpected and incredibly satisfying. Script and actor work in tandem, creating dynamic, multi layered individuals. We’re involved in their narrative, becoming engaged in the insane sadistic game which we hope they can survive. Hailey Nebeker as Maren stands out amongst a stellar ensemble, switching from intense to vulnerable without missing a beat. Embodying each stage of her character’s arc, we see her seamlessly metamorphose through many biblical roles: Virgin, Mother, Seducer and Destroyer.

The professionalism of both cast and crew is awe-inspiring, once you take into consideration the minuscule budget and time frame that they had to work with. Shot over seven days, for peanuts in cinematic terms, the quality of the finished product would lead you to believe it had a bigger bankroll. There’s a couple of sound issues, which are quickly rectified, but the framing, lighting and cinematography are too engaging for you to really notice. It’s the colour grading that stands out the most. Dull, muted colours give the feeling of a lacklustre ambience, while pops of colour are utilized to highlight aspects the director wants you to see. The prosthetics and makeup effects are impressively realistic, ensuring gory gruesomeness is all the more believable.

Towards the final third of the film, we’re introduced to a new player, one whom we have heard the revellers make reference to and who we understand to be a bad element. Crashing the celebration intent on continuing his abuse on the fragile Jo (Clare Niederpruem), his physical presence almost seems an unnecessary introduction to the proceedings. In a situation which already has high stakes and an atmosphere which oozes tension, his trespass gets lost in the hubbub of what’s already happening. Dispatched as abruptly as he arrives, his involvement jarred with me slightly, as his lack of development is so striking against such well structured characters. However, the revelation that follows almost instantly afterwards, is so unexpected and ingenious, any grumbles are stunned into silence.

Big on ideas, solid in story and remarkable in execution, Nocturne is a well crafted depiction of the role of sin and the part it has to play in day to day life. A rejuvenating retelling of a familiar yarn, it’s already receiving well deserved praise from the festival circuit. And as for after dinner games at your next soiree? Maybe stick with charades, rather than a seance…

- By Sooz Webb