Automata

If this film is anything to go by, very Hammer in its gothic settings which as far as I'm concerned is high praise. Role on more from the same creator.

Lawrie Brewster has a track record of producing effectively creepy horror movies on modest budgets. Artfully shot and employing some beautiful interiors, Automata features the engaging Jamie Scott Gordon in a tale of an automated doll inhabited by an ancient curse.

I've been following and supporting Hex Media and their output since I kickstarted their earlier production of The Black Gloves. Ever since, I've been helping to crowdfund all their subsequent productions sight unseen and picked up their entire back catalogue.

Automata (aka The Devil's Machine), like Lawrie Brewster's other works, draws a great deal of inspiration from classical Gothic aesthetics, and the British tradition of Hammer Films. The vivid colours in this film and the aristocratic setting might also invoke obscure giallo deja vu for some as well.

Those familiar with the other films from Hex will notice recurring actors, but showcasing performances in a different style than previous outings. As less well-known actors, they do a great job disproving the notion that indie horror actors are less talented, as this cast turns in fantastic performances all round.

The cinematography and production scale are great highlights of this film. The scope of the narrative and production value are very impressive, especially when considering the indie roots of the crew. You'll be reminded of Barry Lyndon with period-appropriate garb and aesthetics, all captured beautifully and cinematically.

I'd have no hesitations supporting whatever Lawrie Brewster turns his hand to next and encourage any horror fans who are looking for a taste of classical horror (but still with a modern edge) to check this one out.

I managed to endure a staggering 39 minutes of what can best be described at utmost boredom when I sat down to watch "The Devil's Machine" (aka "Automata") from writer Sarah Daly and director Lawrie Brewster.

Now, it was the movie's cover/poster and the fact that it was listed as a horror movie that initially made me sit down to watch this 2019 movie. But the fact that I hadn't already seen it before also helped to win me over.

And I endured 39 minutes, and I can honestly say that I will not, never ever, be returning to "Automata" to attempt to watch the rest of the movie. This movie just was a massive swing and a miss from director Lawrie Brewster in terms of appealing to me or entertaining me.

The storyline was just rubbish. It felt like a heap of random scenes shot independently of one another and then given to the editor to make a movie out of the random clips of film.

Little did it help that the characters portrayed in the movie had as much appeal as wet cardboard and never stood a snowballs chance in Hell of winning me over. The dialogue given to the actors and actresses was just dull, mediocre and tedious.

My rating of "Automata" is a more than generous two out of ten stars. This was a stinker, and my advice is to give the movie a wide berth.

I loved the premise and decided to give it a chance. Glad I did! It's a beautifully shot film and a welcome addition to the horror genre.