The Caretaker

I believe this is Landa's best film yet, building on their previous experience and success, while branching out into a new genre for this production. The production value is outstanding, far beyond what you would expect from a low budget independent film, making great use of location filming. The film draws you in with an intriguing set up and a few unnerving scenes, then gradually reveals it's moving emotional centre. It's dark but never too dark or exploitative of its subject matter. Hats off especially to Ben Probert's physical performance, Luke Tedder's masterful direction and to the score.

I thoroughly enjoyed this film, though I'll admit it took a little while to find its footing. The opening was slower than I expected, but once the story picked up, it more than delivered. The strong storyline and compelling character developments kept me engaged throughout. Each character was layered with their own struggles and demons, which added depth and realism to the narrative.

The main character stood out in particular. Despite being a mute, their emotional range was excellent. The way they conveyed grief, determination, and hope through body language and facial expressions was captivating-a true testament to both the actor's skill and the direction.

Visually, the film was impressive. The cinematography was well executed, with thoughtful framing and lighting that added to the story's tone. The post-production work, from seamless edits and scene transitions, to atmospheric sound design, elevated the experience even further.

Speaking of sound, I couldn't help but notice and appreciate the ASMR-like elements woven into the scenes involving food. The attention to detail in these moments brought an unexpected but delightful sensory element to the film.

Finally, the cast was excellent across the board. Every actor brought their character to life with conviction and nuance, adding richness to an already well-crafted film. Many scenes made me feel uneasy, which proved the cast really nailed their roles.

I highly recommend this film & hope it gets the viewings it deserves. Congratulations to all involved.

Thoroughly enjoyed this film. Great cast, fascinating characters, gripping plot line. Had my attention from start to finish 👏 We went to the cinema to see it on the big screen. It's a slow burn up to a big finish, you won't be disappointed. It flips from normal life, to twisted reality and nightmares. Have to give a big shout out to the cast, you can tell they're a strong unit and there isn't a weak link.

And without giving anything away, the ending is insane! It builds and builds to the big dramatic finally you're craving.

Congrats to the crew too, beautifully shot and brilliantly edited. Bravo.

I was lucky enough to recently receive a screener of The Caretaker - and it's excellent. Pacy, unexpectedly complex, brilliantly jump-scary, surprisingly moving and romantic - with great chemistry between the leads, and beautifully put together. LOVE the way it's lit. It all felt early-70s Stephen King, in all the right ways. And the final act is immensely satisfying.

Performances are fantastic across the board - Ben Probert, in particular, offers a masterclass in naturalism.

Luke Tedder's directing and editing is top notch. It's great to see him tackle low-key horror/thriller.

I can't wait to see what these guys do next!

Sometimes a thriller doesn't need to grab you by the throat from the start; it simply invites you in, lets you sit in its world, and then delivers a knockout punch that leaves you breathless. This film does exactly that, proving that a slow start can build into something extraordinary when handled with care and precision which this production executed brilliantly.

Each scene serves as a piece of the puzzle, carefully constructed to develop a connection between the audience and the characters. The writing is sharp and intuitive, allowing the cast to fully embody their roles. The cast deserves immense credit.

The cinematography complements the story beautifully using subtle visual cues to build tension. Every detail, from the set design to the sound editing has been meticulously crafted to serve the story.

A huge round of applause to the director and the entire crew for delivering a film that is not just thrilling but unforgettable!!