Windcroft

Easily one of the worst movies I have ever seen. I love indie films. but one of the requirements of a good film is a plot. This movie has almost none. The building of the suspense was very well done, but there was absolutely no explanation for where the movie ended up. You sit through 80 minutes of slow moving, so-so dialog to be rewarded with an ending utterly confusing and abrupt. An extra five minutes would have been sufficient to tie everything together, instead we are left in the dark as to how everything relates. The scenery in the movie was quite nice, but thats about where the good points end. I wouldn't recommend this movie to people I don't like, much less anyone else.

If ever there was a love it or hate it suspense movie, it is Windcroft. But given that it is 4/10 at the time of my writing (with only 99 votes) it definitely looks like the "hate it" camp are winning. Just don't let its awful rating put you off. For this is in many ways an excellent movie which keeps you guessing (if you give it the time for its slow suspense to build); however, I'd say that you have to find yourself with an interest in its characters within the first 20 minutes or you will probably be annoyed by it ultimately.

When someone wrote that this was like a cross between the shining and Wuthering heights, they weren't far off the mark. For it definitely has elements of both in it.

Having said that, I don't wish to say too much more about it at present as I don't wish to give anything away. But it certainly deserves more than its current meagre 4/10 rating. The movie's direction, acting and screenplay were all first rate. Yet some of the complainers write that the movie is not explained and therefore it is rubbish. Well why does madness need an explanation always? Sometimes some people are insane and they are very good at hiding that insanity within themselves until...

By the way, I am not someone who ever enjoys b grade horror movies and still very much recommend this for those who enjoyed a movie such as 'Haute Tension', or, 'Ils' (aka Them).

The DVD box is covered with a dozens awards and glowing quotes from legitimate critics - so already my expectations were high. And honestly, the movie didn't disappoint.

Windcroft starts as a love story about a man going through a mid-life crisis who inherits the family farm. He returns with his newlywed wife to sort through the place and almost immediately the dread begins to pile on. The atmospheric tones of the music and the camera work set a pace for building and building tension throughout the movie. Once the ex-girlfriend comes in the picture, the love story turns into a love triangle, and then it unravels as this tightly wound thriller that I never saw coming - but was still believable.

Sure, this may not be a glossy Hollywood thriller, but for the apparently very low budget this was made with, it was very impressive. Even the documentary on the DVD was enjoyable. There were tons of behind the scenes clips and very little "ego stroking" which is what I hate about most DVD featurettes.

I easily recommend this to anyone looking for the next wave of talent, because this little movie has it in spades.

Build and release thriller that caught me off guard.

Strong acting from cast of unknowns, at least the leads - supporting characters weak.

Photography of beautiful landscapes was risky for thriller, but it worked - like "The Shining" but more scenery.

Script was overwritten at moments but the story was strong.

It claims to be low-budget, but there were aerial shots and coyotes and a polished look.

Slow pace, especially in beginning, but it all builds evenly to a frantic ending.

The music was eerie - acoustic with digital effects that worked for many scenes.

The subject matter was unsettling at times, my lady-friend squirmed at some points, but was not over the top.

For a "thriller" it wasn't really very scary - it was more creepy and disturbing, reminding me of a 1960s suspense film but with real violence.

Recommended for cold, depressing nights or rainy afternoons.

I was pleasantly surprised with this film, as its 4.4 rating isn't too hot. The characters at first annoyed me slightly, but I was intrigued as I could feel something building up. In fact the main character is rather odd but there may be a reason for that as the story unfolds. I would describe this film as a thriller with some psychology thrown in. It soon becomes apparent that there is more to this than just a trip to the family farm, and it will keep you gripped.

As the film unfolds some odd things become clear and its not clever but somehow very enjoyable.

Persist with it and you will enjoy, there isn't a huge cast but there doesn't need to be

I quite liked it and its better than its rating at the moment.