Entering the realm of terror comes the film A Lonely Place to Die with a good cast, unique plot and very good direction. Now on DVD, the movie presses a lot of fear buttons while spooling out a grim tale of abduction, discovery and escape under merciless pursuit.
The movie centers on Alison (Melissa George) leader of a group of mountain climbers who comes across a breathing tube in a wooded area. Realizing that someone is buried beneath it they dig to find Anna a young dehydrated Russian-speaking girl. Impossible to communicate and find out her abductors, Alison decides to take the girl off the mountain and to the authorities. But, getting to a town miles from nowhere can be treacherous, especially since they now have two cruel and callous hired killers pursuing them.
Writer-director Julian Gilbey sets up his audience by giving them a sense of helplessness when the opening scene shows a climb up the face of a jagged mountain. Showing each step, clamp and pull with nowhere to go but up, Gilbey works his magic with the death-defying climb. I felt like I was out of breath from the assent that involves an almost fatal slip.
With your mind now in shock mode, he takes his group of friends back to the mountain after a night of uneasiness. This time he starts an even more frightening series of scenes by putting the audience in the center of a rescue that’s headed for tragedy at every turn. Just when you think there’s a chance for escape from the killers, things take an unexpected about face. And, the film’s not over until Gilbey lets you take a final gasp.
I like A Lonely Place to Die very much especially with the fine cast of characters lead by Melissa George. Her character brings a lot of power to the plot and George’s ability to show the strong emotion, fear and surprise makes the film work. As Alison once the chase gets set in motion, George never lets up from start to startling finish.
Even more thrills are added with the spectacular cinematography by Ali Asad that provides some chilling falls off cliffs, a vicious pursuit in a darkened forest, a fiery street carnival laden with satanic costumed villagers and more. An action inspiring musical track by Michael Richard Plowman instills an urgency that makes the chase scenes alarming and ramps up the danger factor.
The DVD of A Lonely Place to Die has not been rated by the MPAA but does contain harsh language and extreme violence. I recommend adults view the film without immature children present.
Except for some trailers of upcoming films there are no special bonus features. I found the film so well made however, that it’s a bonus in itself.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A relentless terror feast for those who want to partake. [rating=5]
The Specifications and additional film information:
- Cast: Melissa George, Ed Spellers, Sean Harris, Karel Roden and Alec Newman
- Directed by: Julian Gilbey
- MPAA Rating: Unrated
- Genre: Crime, Terror,
- Running Time: 1 hr 39 min
- Street Date: March 20, 2012
- Language: English 5.1
- Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1
- Video: Anamorphic Widescreen, 2.35:1
- Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish
- Distributed by: IFC Films
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
