The Show

As soon as you see and hear Tom Burke at the films start, well, you just know something is not right, and that continues throughout the drama! Just what the writer and director want you to feel; so its off to a good start!

There is definitely a bit of the Rocky Horror Show's strange, but beautiful, oddness going on...but with more of Circus/Carnivàle, mixed with a little Alice in Wonderland's Mad Hatter lunacy, thrown (If you remember the short lived American television series, 'Carnivàle' (2003-2005) you will know exactly what I mean. Nothing is as it seems and with weirdness interspersed with weirder still, you are very much entertainingly engrossed. If not! You probably think it sucks...as its one of those presentations that is devoid of the "well it was okay" decision!

Its definitely more of a TV Film and whether you 'Love it or Hate it'...its entirely up to your good selves! :)

Fletcher Dennis (Tom Burke) arrives in Northampton in search for a missing artefact. He dives into this world of supernatural oddities and darkness.

The big name here is writer Alan Moore. He has filled this story with imaginative ideas, characters, and weirdness. I've never heard of director Mitch Jenkins. He may not have the budget nor the skills to pull off Moore's visions. Burke has an intriguing look but his acting skills fall short for a cinematic lead. He's more fitting as an antagonist than a protagonist. The story feels overstuffed and somehow lacking in narrative drive. It feels meandering. This movie is very intriguing but the execution falls a little short.

If this bizarre genre mash-up appeals to you, and you've watched John Waters films multiple times...then this is going to be a real treat! I wasn't familiar with any of the actors aside from Sheila Atim, who was mesmerizing in a small role, and I agree with the IGN critic who referred to Tom Burke as a bit of a low-rent Robert Pattinson, yet he and every actor were perfectly cast, alternately charming, alluring, whimsical, and eccentric. Not a moment wasted in the script; edited to perfection, but I would love to see the footage that got cut. Costumes, sets, hair and makeup were Rocky Horror Picture Show-worthy. I could see this eventually becoming a cult classic. Definitely a hidden diamond in the rough at present.

This is a journey not a destination film. Used to be a lot of films like this. Today, not so much. That said, for its genre, it is top of class. Burke has an everyman look and attitude which Jenkins uses to advantage. The characters, all superb, are people you want to meet once in your life, but only once. Recommended.

I don't have enough drugs for this movie. Alan Moore's mind is terrifying and beautiful all rolled into one.

Give it a try, it's a strange ride. It's a very beautiful ,unusual and interesting film.