by Martin Unsworth
This mid-length short/mini-feature feels as though it’s a lost relic from the golden age of folk horror. Something half-remembered from a late-night showing on regional ITV. It’s written and directed by Sean Hogan, who has made a name for himself as the author of several books, including England’s Screaming. Like that novel, this is steeped in the love of the horror genre and British tradition, this time from the 17th century.
Squire Marlow (Mark Carlisle), his servant Pike (Richard Rowden), and two locals, Holt (Harry Roebuck) and the rather drunk Ransley (James Swanton) are carrying the coffin of the Squire’s son across the dark and unsafe path to the church. They are doing this at night to prepare for the next day’s funeral. As they walk, rumours and bitter tensions arise between the men, and things get out of hand.
Presented in immaculate monochrome (with just an effective splash of colour at the climax), To Fire You Come at Last is well shot by Paul Goodwin and Jim Hinson, particularly impressive since the majority takes place at night. As the simple drunkard Ransley, Swanton seems to be having a great time channelling the spirit of Seth Armstrong (ask your parents) and is definitely a highlight. The film is an ode to the M.R. James-style shorts we’d get at Christmas and is a great addition to the pantheon of British folk horror.
To Fire You Come at Last has its European premiere at Pigeon Shrine FrightFest on August 26th.
