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★★★★
Directed by: Jonathan Blagrove
Written by: #JonathanBlagrove
Starring: #LisaHogg, #TimPlester
Home invasion has been a popular choice for horror/thriller #filmmakers for many years, with hit and miss success largely accounted to how terrifyingly real the portrayal feels. In short film Brink, directed by Jonathan Blagrove, the audience are given an affecting and convincing home invasion plot that always feels authentic and immersive.
Largely taking place after the home invasion has taken place, we see a woman (Lisa Hogg) being held captive by a dangerous looking man (Tim Plester). As she begs and pleads for freedom, covered in cuts and scrapes, the reality of the situation becomes clear with devastating results.
A wonderfully original story and utilising excellent atmosphere and performances to suspend the audience in heart-stopping panic throughout, Blagrove proves himself capable of delivering a tense thriller. Brink is a short film laced with tragedy and supplied with engrossingly dark visuals and shadows to arrest the audience, leaving them in a state of vulnerability for what's to come.
Hogg is a terrific on screen presence, her desperation and energy are the perfect complement to Plester's violent and stoic anguish. Plester is also excellent, providing the short's most sincere and affecting moments.
There is a wonderful sound design to Brink from George Castle and Rory Wallace, and an original score from Alex Ball, that elevates the darkened scenes and enhances the dramatic tension superbly. This is in fantastic partnership with the camerawork, which works hard to deliver a sinister movement to each sequence, from the eery opening shots of suburban isolation, to the frenetic chaos of the living room.
The pacing could have been improved, it felt as if a load was splurged when the reveal happens and there was not enough build up. This was such an interesting premise and the characters were thoughtfully created, that the sub 5-minute run time shortchanges everyone involved. That being said, there is a potency to the piece that could have been risked with additional scenes.
That potency is essential in delivering the movie's ambitious themes. Blagrove chooses to buck certain trends with his story and subvert cinematic assumptions, making the plot all the more powerful. The use of a family home and a typical location are also important in tempting the viewer into a classic deduction which proves misguided.
Impressive filmmaking that contributes nicely to the home invasion genre, Brink is a formidable watch for any thriller fans that is not afraid to stray from conformity.
Watch teaser movie trailer below...
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