Winterskin

'Winterskin' has been compared to 1990's psychological thriller 'Misery'. There is a similarity in the central premise, there's also enough going on here to make this its own beast. The story focuses on Billy (David Lenik) and Agnes (Rowena Bentley), holed up together in Mama Agnes's log cabin. The isolated location works wonderfully, the chills exemplified by the excellent score. It took me a while to realise this was a British film as all characters come complete with American accents. To my ears, the accents from the main players are pretty good. Lenik plays Billy's varying discomforts very well. Director/writer Charlie Steeds is also responsible for the enjoyably bloody indie 'Barge People', released the same year as this. Whereas that tale was very gory, it was also comedic - here, despite Bentley's extravagant take on Agnes, this is much more serious. The supporting cast are not quite as convincing as the main two and it's something of a relief they only occupy a small amount of screen time, as does the main monster figure, featured on the promotional packaging. When we see the creature, he is very effective - in fact, this is quite a graphic, violent film. I really enjoyed this; the setting is wonderful, the lead characters are good enough to carry to bulk of the running time, and the story contains enough twists to keep things interesting. My score is 8 out of 10.

Literally from the first moment of this film -- the logo for Dark Temple Films -- I had the feel of renting a movie I had no idea about from my old haunt, Prime Time Video. While hunting in the woods, Billy Cavanagh is accidentally shot. Looking for shelter when he's taken in by the kind and kooky old lady Agnes, unaware that her isolated log cabin is being stalked by a bloodthirsty skinless creature hellbent on getting inside. And he's even more unaware that Agnes is completely unhinged. That's a great beginning that makes you ask: And then? Directed by Charlie Steeds (Escape From Cannibal Farm, The House Of Violent Desire), I'd compare this to a blend of Evil Dead and Misery. Yet it's very much this film is its own story.I enjoyed the film, as its a throwback to 80's video store rental fare. The FX are solid, with plenty of gushing over the top gore. I just wish some of the outside shots had the same care as the inside ones, but that's a minor quibble.

This movie could have been a blockbuster, if Bentley's role was played by Kathy Bates. Now, don't get me wrong, Rowena Bentley is a superb actress, but in my opinion, not for this part. Southern accent just did not fit her, neither did her make-up. Although a lot of effort was given to produce this movie, sad to say, just did not grab me.