Borley Rectory

I've always been fascinated by hauntings etc, and saw this film, thought to myself why not try it out. The fact it was listed as "animated" sort of peaked my curiosity. First of all DO NOT go into this thinking it's a horror film, it is NOT that, if anything it is a Documentary about Borley Rectory. Historical dates, and facts are given and situations are recreated for the viewer. Sure some of the people found the effects to be lacking, but those went into this expecting a horror film and not more of a documentary. I watched it from beginning to end and enjoyed the film. Go into it with an open mind, the wanting to learn about the property, and you'll enjoy it as well.

This is a strange production - by all accounts, a labour of love from director/writer Ashley Thorpe. Truly, the atmosphere and sensitivities of a 1920/1930 horror film are recreated here, albeit with layers of modern (mainly computer generated) techniques. As such, nothing is ever quite real, no location is completely convincing - which results in a very odd (and unique) overall 'look'.

To go deeper than that, the project has attracted some names among its cast - Jonathan Rigby, Reece Shearsmith and Julian Sands - who all enter into the spirit of the production with gusto.

The documentary style sadly robs the story of many of its dramatic possibilities. Allegedly, the most haunted house in England should be host to some terrifying moments or recollections, but there's nothing that really makes it through the veneer of ubiquitous CGI enhancements. What we end up with ultimately is a curio - good to look at and effective for a while, but not much to sustain it for its 73 minutes. My score is 5 out of 10.

Thorpe's unique style and delivery do more than just re tell the highlights of the rectorys story. I was transported back to afternoons as a child in the 70's reading and re reading the pan book of ghosts and trying and failing to skip past the chapter on Borley and it grim catalogue of the paranormal. Sands narration and the directors determination to tell all facets of the story only served to produce a classic well rounded piece that will satisfy both the scared and the sceptic. Great performances from all the cast especially as the format relies on face acting more than delivery of lines.

now at the age of 43 I find myself once again pulling my feet under the covers, just in case.

Since the 19th century there has been paranormal activity happening at an Essex rectory stemming back to the apparent ghost of a woman going back to the 17th century. In time the rectory becomes known as the most haunted house in Britain attracting paranormal investigators.

A fascinating and nicely made docudrama that uses animation, some stark black and white cinematography to tell its story with some panache.

This is a documentary of the Borley Rectory. Its advertised as a film so that people will watch it. Just know that going in.