Review: Little Deaths / Cert: 18 / Director: Sean Hogan, Andrew Parkinson, Simon Rumley / Screenplay: Sean Hogan, Andrew Parkinson, Simon Rumley / Starring: James Oliver Wheatley, Siubhan Harrison / Release Date: Out Now
Little Deaths is a British horror anthology film consisting of three different horrific tales by three prominent horror directors – Sean Hogan (Summer’s Blood, The Devil’s Business), Andrew Parkinson (I, Zombie) and Simon Rumley (Red, White and Blue). These stories include tales of rape, cannibalism, bondage and mutilation.
The first film in this horrific anthology is ‘House and Home’ by Sean Hogan. This segment features a strange, religious, middle class couple with different “tastes” who stalk a homeless woman and persuade her to return to their home for some good food and a hot bath. However, their intentions are not as they seem. The scene at the dinner table, filled with exaggerated and disorientating close ups, exemplifies Hogan’s wonderful direction and imagination. Hogan finishes this film with a shocking ending and a surprise twist.
The second segment of this gruesome anthology is ‘Mutant Tool’ by Andrew Parkinson. This film is centered around a young woman, an ex-drug addict and prostitute, who begins to see terrible things when she touches people. Parkinson’s film is the least captivating of the three tales. He shows some interesting ideas but the story isn’t told effectively enough.
The third film, ‘Bitch’ by Simon Rumley, is quite simply a strange and disturbing tiny masterpiece. With an effective and prominent use of handheld camera, Rumley presents a young couple’s strained relationship and the strange sexual methods they use to make things better. The ending is horrifically brutal yet incredibly inventive.
What is so brilliant about all three films is how unexpected all of their endings are. These three directors manage to completely surprise and deliver gruesome shocks. Little Deaths is a wonderful yet horrific collection of horror stories by three esteemed and promising directors. This anthology puts many mainstream horrors to shame.
Extras: Directors Commentaries, Behind the Scenes Featurette
