Martyrs Lane

As much as many horror genre fans hate to admit it, ghosts stories are deeply spiritual.

There's has been a resurgence of interest in the ghost story as an exploration of mortality in recent years. Films such as The Dark and the Wicked, Saint Maud and Relic for example all address death and loss almost exclusively as a spiritual experience.

In Martyrs Lane, all the usual Horror tropes are stripped bare, leaving only the only true significance of any ghost story; a contemplation on death.

It occasionally makes for some uncomfortable viewing. Perhaps one of the more successful aspects of this story was the way it incorporated faith and religion.

I think we've grown used to seeing the religion as some kind of superpower in the fight against demonic possession, here through, faith is effectively powerless as an instrument of change.

The acting performances and direction are incredible.

This is a touching exploration of our place in the world, our existence and a powerful reminder of how short our time on earth can me.

The two little girls' acting skills elevate an already engrossing story into excellence. The plot is not unique, but the production is so well done and the characters so engaging that it feels new and different.

No spooky monsters or slahser murderers in this movie.

Just a well crafted mystery movie with great actors.

The pieces of the puzzles are not being rubbed in your face (like in Hollywood "horror" movies), but being handed out tothe viewer to put them together in their head, to be completed.

Well done!

This film follows a young girl growing up in a household where there has been some kind of "incident".

This film is quite slow and plays out in a very careful considered manner.

Now this is not particularly scary or thrilling in any superficial way but is very creepy on more intimate levels.

Like listening to a person who tells a story in a soft voice, you have to sit quietly and pay attention.

The story is very conservative with its plot elements - it would have been easy to make the dad an alcoholic or the sister an abusive drug pusher but not every story has to be based on a tragedy of epic human failings.

When supernatural things do happen (and they are relatively small things) they have a much heavier impact than most horror movies.

Some of the scenes are very claustrophobic and lull you in to a false sense of security before suddenly, but subtly, revealing that things can turn quickly. I had shivers down my spine on a few occasions.

Other reviewers have said this is boring and slow and not worth your time and I do get that but, rather than a big heaping trifle with sparklers sticking out of it, this movie is more like a plate of cheese and biscuits - but a very tasty one.

The cast is great (especially Kiera and Sienna) the production doesn't try too hard making this an easy watch.

I enjoyed this a lot and considering its cost I think everyone involved has made something to be proud of.

I found the movie to be very good, the acting of the main protagonist was formidable for her young age. It's a slow burn, demands patience, but delivers an emotional finale.

I wouldn't recommend it for the scary part, specially if you are a hardcore horror fan, but if you like movies with a gloomy, dark atmosphere, mystery and ghosts, you might enjoy this one!

7/10!