Borley Rectory

Ashley Thorpe's Borley Rectory: The Most Haunted House In England is a real labour of love, a dramatised documentary which mixes animation and live action footage to create a creepy ambience and a unique look. It is narrated in textbook fashion by non other than Julian Sands, and features an impressive score by Mick Grierson and Steven Severin (the former bass player in Siouxsie and the Banshees). The cast features Jonathan Rigby playing psychic investigator Harry Price, and Reece Shearsmith from The League of Gentleman, as Daily Mirror journalist V.C. Wall. They all had to perform in front of green screens in order for the film to achieve its mesmerising visual style, and the entire production took Thorpe six years to fully realise. "It feels like it should be in a double feature with Dead of Night (1945)," he has said of his film, which as slow paced as it is, is something he can be extremely proud of.

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.

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.

This looks amazing but the dialogue is somewhat lacking. There are periods of silence and inactivity that would test most attention spans.

Narrated adequately by Julian Sands and performed well by the actors; yet there is no passion, no sense of excitement or fervour for the story that is told.

6/10 stars - for presentation and production value.

A documentary about what has become known as the most haunted house in England. This is articulated through a number of acted vignettes covering those who lived there and those who investigated the appearances. Uniquely, the story and the spooky atmosphere that pervades the house is cleverly communicated by animated black and white mists, spirits, opening doors etc which really give this strange affair its bite.

It is slow and detailed in its explanation of the history of the house and enjoyably narrated by Julian Sands. The result is fascinating to watch, slow but occasionally quite unnerving.

Very different.