Written, directed, and starring Georgia Conlan, Charlotte is an uncompromising and deeply upsetting movie that’s often very uncomfortable to watch but is nevertheless an impressive feature debut.
Schoolgirl Charlotte (Conlan) has run away from her abusive home and arrived at the door of Roy (Dean Kilbey, Derelict), who lives alone in the middle of nowhere. Reluctantly taking her in for the night, she begins to rely on him for sanctuary. The only thing Roy insists on is that she goes to school as normal and doesn’t mention anything about staying with him. As the days pass, Roy’s secrets being to unravel…
Building the anxiety of the situation to unbearable levels, Charlotte has some incredibly tense and disturbing moments that will be very hard for many to watch. Kilbey bravely portrays a heinous character type in a measured but chilling fashion. Conlan, spinning plates in multiple roles, is fantastic as the in-peril youngster, and the direction is taut and engrossing. Scenes go from skin-crawling to downright sickening in a heartbeat. The subject matter means it’s not a film anyone could possibly ‘enjoy’, but it’s very well made, and, for the most part, the acting is on point.
CHARLOTTE screened at Pigeon Shrine FrightFest and is available to stream on Prime Video.
