The Caretaker

What the Landa team have managed to achieve as an independent filmmaker with limited resources is extraordinary. The end result truly is a testament to all their talent, dedication and hard work.

The development of the characters backstory, particularly in the case of Eddie, really engages and brings you on that journey with them. Exploring the trauma of the past and how that shaped the present.

This coupled with an excellently constructed storyline and top quality cinematography really built up to a gripping yet tense thrill ride.

Shoutout to everyone involved for the immense effort to bring this vision into a reality!

Thoroughly enjoyed this film. Great cast, fascinating characters, gripping plot line. Had my attention from start to finish 👏 We went to the cinema to see it on the big screen. It's a slow burn up to a big finish, you won't be disappointed. It flips from normal life, to twisted reality and nightmares. Have to give a big shout out to the cast, you can tell they're a strong unit and there isn't a weak link.

And without giving anything away, the ending is insane! It builds and builds to the big dramatic finally you're craving.

Congrats to the crew too, beautifully shot and brilliantly edited. Bravo.

I enjoyed watching "The Caretaker" (I was treated to a preview as my son was an extra in the film). It's a combination of thriller, detective story and ghost story, well-acted and well-shot. The action begins slowly and does a slow crescendo to the climax, holding the viewer's attention throughout.

The special effects, visual and aural, are done well.

My only criticism is that the rasping sound heard during the ghost's appearances made me think inevitably of Harry Potter speaking Parseltongue which wasn't the intended impression, and I expect that will be so for many viewers! Perhaps an alternative sound (for examples muffled sobbing, heartbeats, running footsteps, a low rumble, a snatch of Ligety music or a combination of these) would work better without triggering distracting associations.

I look forward to further films from this company.

I believe this is Landa's best film yet, building on their previous experience and success, while branching out into a new genre for this production. The production value is outstanding, far beyond what you would expect from a low budget independent film, making great use of location filming. The film draws you in with an intriguing set up and a few unnerving scenes, then gradually reveals it's moving emotional centre. It's dark but never too dark or exploitative of its subject matter. Hats off especially to Ben Probert's physical performance, Luke Tedder's masterful direction and to the score.

I thoroughly enjoyed this film, though I'll admit it took a little while to find its footing. The opening was slower than I expected, but once the story picked up, it more than delivered. The strong storyline and compelling character developments kept me engaged throughout. Each character was layered with their own struggles and demons, which added depth and realism to the narrative.

The main character stood out in particular. Despite being a mute, their emotional range was excellent. The way they conveyed grief, determination, and hope through body language and facial expressions was captivating-a true testament to both the actor's skill and the direction.

Visually, the film was impressive. The cinematography was well executed, with thoughtful framing and lighting that added to the story's tone. The post-production work, from seamless edits and scene transitions, to atmospheric sound design, elevated the experience even further.

Speaking of sound, I couldn't help but notice and appreciate the ASMR-like elements woven into the scenes involving food. The attention to detail in these moments brought an unexpected but delightful sensory element to the film.

Finally, the cast was excellent across the board. Every actor brought their character to life with conviction and nuance, adding richness to an already well-crafted film. Many scenes made me feel uneasy, which proved the cast really nailed their roles.

I highly recommend this film & hope it gets the viewings it deserves. Congratulations to all involved.