by Joel Harley
In the wake of the second world war, four old chums meet at the home of a friend, gathering to mourn the recent loss of his wife. However, it soon emerges that Lt. Colonel Clive Hockstatter (genre legend Larry Fessenden) has more on his mind than just a few cocktails. Well, what’s a little séance between old friends?
This is just the incitement the evening needs for the blood to spill and a captive German woman (Kristina Klebe) to come crashing out of the cupboard, ready to join the party. Well, her and the ghosts.
Unfolding in a single location, Ted Geoghegan’s supernatural thriller impresses with a simplicity that’s hard to master. From one room (and what a room – kudos to the set designer!) the writer-director spins a taut tale of distrust, discrimination and paranoia; six distinct voices (plus ghosts) wrestling for dominance. With a woman’s life hanging in the balance, the evening’s discussions aren’t to be taken lightly.
Accomplished performances by the film’s terrific cast (which also includes Anne Ramsay, Ron E. Rains, Jeremy Holm and Ezra Buzzington) seal the deal; like the best bottle episodes, Brooklyn 45 is a powerful showcase for these colourful characters and their hang-ups. Never mind the ghosts – it’s the skeletons-in-closets which are really dangerous, and Geoghegan ekes out each revelation with compelling precision. Whether it’s the regretful torturer, sharply-dressed Dandy, or bloodthirsty bigot, each character is a delight to spend time with, even as they inevitably disgust and disappoint.
Never mind the supernatural element (which is appropriately spooky and properly gloopy in itself) – it’s entertainment enough to watch these people interact and bounce off of each other for a far-too-short 92 minutes.
Brooklyn 45 is streaming now on Shudder.
