1970s America is a time of fear and violence a voiceover here informs us (not much changed there then). “Television beams the horror into our living rooms”. ‘Mr Midnight’ Jack Delroy (David Dastmalchian) is the host of a nightly show called Night Owls. Beloved by the tabloids and the nation, he’s more than his clean cut image suggests. A member of The Grove, a secret boys club, he hopes it will give him the power to rise to the top of the TV ratings. Beset by personal tragedy, this darkly stylish thriller hits the gas from minute one, as we’re shown “the live TV event that shocked the nation”. As set ups go it’s gripping, fun and very promising. Halloween night 1977 with a guest list that leans into the spooky, Jack valiantly attempts to boost his ratings. It’s brilliantly crafted. Like a feature length episode of Inside No.9 with a theatrical budget. As far as praise goes, trust me you can’t get much higher. Little hints of unrest are signposted, luring you in to what on the surface feels like a fun kitsch thriller. Jack’s sidekick Gus (Rhys Auteri) is the cameraman’s favourite cutaway and as things start to go off script, the look of panic in his eyes are felt in the viewers chilling bones. From the clairvoyant Christou (Fayssal Bazzi) to the paranormal skeptic Carmichael (Ian Bliss), the tension builds and builds, until we get to satanic cults… and Lilly (Ingrid Torelli), a young girl who nearly steals the show. With dramatic theatrics both on and off the stage, it’s genuinely freaky. Sure you can be dismissive of the tropes, but when they’re leant into so brilliantly, you’ve got to tip your hat. The gore is in the right places. The story is simple, but very effective. The acting is rock solid throughout. It’s paced brilliantly and it doesn’t over stay its welcome. A fun and engaging modern horror thriller, I’m going to have to see what else writer/director brothers Cameron and Colin Caines have come up with. This is an absolute joy!
9/10
Comments