Windcroft

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.

Where did this film come from? I saw this at a festival here in Oklahoma over the weekend and it blew away the competition. It was like a cross between The Shining and Wuthering Heights, with strong characters and and a seemingly standard love story - but then it all goes crazy and turns into this scary thriller. It caught me completely off guard.

The acting was amazing, even for a cast of unknowns. The two female roles were very strong, and the lead actor seems a bit blah at first but then as the movie progressed, he got more and more sinister and frightening, ending with a performance that rivals some of Hitchcock's better villains. (The fact that I never saw the actors before this film made it more believable, and I was easily swept into the story).

The score (and the photography) was unbelievable too. It looked like a "Hollywood" movie instead of some crummy video. The rest of the movies at the fest were mediocre compared to the quality of WINDCROFT. It really is a MUST SEE for anyone who likes a truly independent film, and a great story.

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.

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).

I attended the New York City premiere of this film the other night. To put it simply, this was an absolutely intriguing work of cinematic achievement! The fact that this was the debut of writer and director Evan Meszaros is even more astonishing! Indeed, this is an auspicious beginning to what will surely be a highly successful career in cinema. Meszaros offers a fresh vision and voice to the medium that has been lacking in modern times. I greatly anticipate more thought-provoking, entertaining work that will undoubtedly ensue from this filmmaker.

The performances from the actors were brilliant and awe-inspiring! Monica Knight, who plays Mindy, delivers a superlative performance while masterfully conveying the subtle and unspoken torment that lies under the surface waiting to rear its ugly head at any moment. Indeed, from her very first appearance, Knight brilliantly imparts the unsettling nature of the family and farm, Windcroft, with her adroit utilization of mere mannerisms. It is an absolutely skillful performance that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats before ever truly knowing why.

The part of the female protagonist , Diane, is played by Vanessa Daniels. Daniels is perfect as the unwitting victim unsuspectingly brought into a web of horror and deceit that has spanned generations. Her ingenious ability to convey innocence and good-hearted naivety is a magnificent contrast to the darker elements of the film. This is truly a heart-wrenching performance that will unquestionably usurp the heart of any audience!

It is not surprising to learn of the numerous awards that have been bestowed upon this film. Windcroft was named the Best Picture by the Fright Night Film Festival where it also won Best Director, for Evan Meszaros, and Best Actress, for Monica Knight. The Salento Film Festival also awarded Monica Knight with Best Actress while acknowledging the film as having Best Cinematography. Moreover, the Tenerife International Film Festival named Evan Meszaros Best Director while nominating the film for various other awards.

In short, it was a very inspiring evening. I will definitely purchase this film as soon as it is released on DVD. In the meantime, if anyone knows of any other projects this director has done or is working on, please let me know. Thanks!

Anthony