Horror fans may like the movie The Power, a dark and dreary film. The story takes you into the inner sanctum of a hospital where every night the electricity gets turned off due to the country’s economy crisis. The film has some very good acting and direction that helps you through the chilling tale, but the scare meter may not be high enough for diehard fans of the macabre.
“Trade Unions and the Government are at war. The Economy is in crisis. Blackouts have been ordered to conserve power and plunging the nation into darkness every night”. Opening statement.
It’s a cold January day in East London as young nurse graduate Val (Rose Williams) walks the morning streets dressed in her uniform on her way to begin her first day of work. The hospital is in one of the poorest areas in the city and there are a good number of children patients. Val is a bit cautious as she has her first conversation with The Nurse Matron (Diveen Henry). Having grown up in a nearby orphanage, Val lets Nurse Matron know that she feels she wants to help her fellow oppressed citizens. The Matron is a disciplinarian and tells her she must toe the line or be let go.
Thus begins a new life for Val who’s anxious to come face to face with her new work life. But, Nurse Matron wants her to prove she can be a good fit, and instead of just the day shift where she has performed highly, she demands that Val stay and also work the night shift on her first day. Working on the child ward, she feels comfortable that she will be able to make it through the night. But, before long she’s told another nurse is needed on the troublesome adult ward on the dank cellar floor of the building.
When she arrives at the ward and the generator starts to flicker, she realizes she’s in for a bad night. Director and writer Corinna Faith takes her audience into the shadowy world as Val faces the trials of her past, an ominous present, and a dreadful beginning. It’s more than the fear of the dark, there’s a stranger reaching out to her.
The performance by Rose Williams as Val is so good you can feel the fear her character is feeling. She mixes well with the two nurses she runs into, but slowly becomes nervous about the lighting, and finding herself alone in the dark for long periods. Then Val starts to hear someone calling out to her. It’s her first starring role on the big screen and she nails the role.
Bonus features on the DVD include:
“Commentary” with Director Corrina Faith, Cinematographer Laura Bellingham and Actress Rose Williams
“Behind-the-Scenes” Photo Gallery
The Power has not been rated by the MPAA, but contains violence, disturbing images, some language, sexual innuendos and brutality. The film will be available September 21 on VOD, DVD, and Digital HD platforms. It’s an above average horror flick that holds up due to the fine acting.
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Rose Williams, Charlie Carrick, Gbemisola Ikumelo, Theo Barklem-Biggs, Emma Rigby, and Shakira Rahman.
Directed and Written by: Corinna Faith
Genre: Horror, Chiller
MPAA Rating: Not Rated contains violence, gore, sexual inferences, disturbing images.
Running Time: 1 hr. 32 min.
Video Release Date: September 21, 2021
Language: English
Reviewed Format: DVD
Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
Video: Widescreen Aspect Ratio 2.35:1
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish
Distributed by: RLJE FILMS, Shudder
Released on: VOD, DVD, Digital HD
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
