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Review
Recluse Liz is depressed. She contemplates suicide. She visits suicide forums on the Internet. But she hasn't done it. Then she learns of the Suicide Club - a group on the dark web - who guarantee your success. From there Liz is dragged, willing or not, into a nightmare of betrayal and deception.
Klariza Clayton (Skins) carries the film from the start as recluse Liz. Beginning as what looks like a riff on Rear Window, Liz spends her time watching the goings on around her dead end flat on a London estate. She brings a vulnerability to the character. She sells the bleak existence.
Her burgeoning relationship with neighbor Josh (Adam Newington) brings a renewed life to the character, and a believably to the situation. He is a sympathetic character with a background that would understand Liz. A strong choice by the writer.
But the film deals with two very different issues. Suicide and depression, and the dark web. And it does it well, bringing two very different themes together with not only some flare and style, but also with a tender touch. A lot of the credit here has to go to writer /director Maximilian von Vier (Under the Bridge).
While Liz and Josh are becoming closer, Liz has opened the door to the dark web.
Editorial note: In the original review we wrote: "Many people watching the movie will be unaware of the dark web, and the film does a good job of letting those in the know get a nod, while those that don't won't be fazed by its introduction. In film a simple change of browser is enough for me to know the makers did their homework. The same as the way the the dark web know who you are. Where you are. It's chilling and brutal stuff, and works with or without the knowledge. It opens the horror of the dark web - but with a user friendly interface."
Over the two years since this review was originally written there has been an absolute slew of Dark Web inspired horror, from indie fare to studio productions like Unfriended: Dark Web. Hell, these days there are Youtube channels devoted to showing the casual viewer what is on the dark web. This film was there first. Take from that what you will. ~ M
Starting as a light thriller with strong themes, the film ramps continually to the last terrifying reel. The acting is strong throughout - with a chilling turn from Carey Thring (Fox Trap) - and the who dunnit aspect pulled off with great aplomb.
All around is should sate the appetite of both thriller lovers and horror the same, and will keep you guessing until the end. While light on gore, it's certainly terrifying.
One to watch.
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