‘Caveat’ Review: Damian Mc Carthy Delivers Perfect Horror in the Filmmaker’s 2020 Debut

“Caveat” is the directorial debut of Irish filmmaker Damian Mc Carthy. It premiered at the IndieCork Film Festival in October of 2020 before premiering on “Shudder” the following year.

I was introduced to Mc Carthy’s second film, “Oddity” which I watched and reviewed last year and loved. “Caveat” is a rawer version of indie cinema, and its horror elements, including one of the scariest moments I have ever witnessed in a movie, demonstrate Mc Carthy is a rising star in the genre.

Moe Barrett (Ben Caplan) needs someone to watch his niece, Olga. He employs Isaac (Johnny French) for the job. Isaac, who suffers from partial amnesia, figures it to be an easy way to make some cash. Of course, the job is systematically revealed to be littered with provisions. “She’s your niece.” Isacc questions Moe when introduced to the gig. “Why don’t you do it yourself?”

The Caveats

Moe explains that Olga’s father (Conor Dwane) committed suicide in the house, and that her mother (Inma Pavon) went missing some months ago. The house is remote. Actually, it’s on an island, and Johnny can’t swim. “It’s lucky we got a boat then, isn’t it?” Moe scoffs.

Olga (Leila Sykes) is prone to catatonic states where she sits still with her hands covering her eyes. When awake, she wanders the house clutching a crossbow. The ultimate qualifier, or caveat, is revealed. Due to Olga’s nightmares, Isaac must be harnessed to a thick chain that allows movement throughout the house but prevents him from entering Olga’s room.

Compelling Performances

Johnny French delivers an excellent portrayal of the main character. Issac is a fun protagonist to follow. He’s a simple guy. He carries a photograph of happier times that he looks at to calm him down. Flashbacks reveal just enough to flesh the character out.

I liked his initial pushback when told about the chain requirement. And his amnesia issues are handled in a sufficient fashion. “He said we were friends.” He states pensively when speaking about his relationship with Moe. “But I don’t remember.” French is great and rocks a flawless Irishman’s beard.

Leila Sykes is great as the catatonic Olga. Ben Caplan is perfect in the subtly sleazy role of Moe.  

Mc Carthy’s Knack for Horror

“Caveat” takes a peculiar story and makes it routine. I love the setting of the island house. It’s rustic but not over the top. Rather than a polished hotel or a clearly haunted mansion, it’s a simple lakeside property that’s well lived in and clearly devoid of modern amenities. Peeling wallpaper, creaky floorboards, spooky paintings on the wall. The house has a history that seems perfectly believable.

Mc Carthy uses sound to perfection. The chain lugging around as Isaac meanders about is unmistakable. As is the crunching of the leather harness. The cries of foxes, described by Moe as sounding like a teenaged girls screaming, add a haunting element to the island.

The suspense is excellent. There’s the mystery of Olga’s parents, and the strange request Moe has hired Isaac for. The chain, limiting Issac’s movements, is connected to a lock in the dark basement. Isaac finds a sinister looking stuffed rabbit holding a drum. The seemingly inanimate toy bangs the drum it holds, the rhythm intensifying as danger is near.

Excellent Horror

“Caveat” is a horror film that’s aesthetically pleasing. Damian Mc Carthy introduces the artistic elements of filmmaking without being overly pretentious. The scares are earned, and the 88 minute run time is a perfect length.