“The Foreboding: Fractured” is a horror indie short directed by Kemal Yildirim and produced by Peter Tilley. It’s a take on the haunted ghost story—part “Blair Witch” and part “In a Violent Nature”-type feel. It’s different than many of the indie horror films I’ve seen due to it’s a UK production. Most of the similar pictures I’ve seen are US based or Canadian. In that, it brings its own goodies with it, most notably a haunting piano score in parts, its characters’ relationship to one another, and its attempt on a ghost story in lieu of psychopathic killers a la Jason Voorhees.
The films stars are Olivia Bennett (Lauren), Alexander Staunton-Hill (Connor), Peter Tilley (Aaron), and Eve Kathryn Oliver (Abigail), and are written interestingly. Staunton-Hill is also the film’s writer, and the relationships he gives the four are more realistic and deeply written than some other indies I’ve seen. For instance, Aaron and Lauren are aligned as two that had a one-night stand, with the former wanting more and the latter wanting nothing to do with him. On the other hand, Connor and Abigail are situated as two friends getting close to a romantic awakening, who seem to never quite get there. The four are students at Union, and have interesting conversations. And unlike other low-budget horror I’ve seen, the film is devoid of misogyny and cynicism: the four are friends, and Staunton-Hill and Yildirim let you believe it.
An Indie Take on the Ghost Story
The crux of the story culminates when—sitting at a campfire—Abigail tells the story of a local boy who drowned in a lake at this very site, and his sister subsequently lost her mind and died in a fire. It’s said she haunts this forest: if you hear her voice, she possesses you to kill your family and friends until you have no one left in your life but her. Creepy stuff!
One of the film’s strong suits is the innocence the four characters have in the way that harkens back to some American ‘80s horror. It’s not so much that they are innocent, but they are likable people ignorant of the evil around them. It’s fun to watch Oliver and Staunton-Hill beat around the bush. Likewise, it’s frustrating to see Tilley put his feelings out there, only to be shut out by Bennett. Staunton-Hill and Oliver have the most chemistry, but all four are good together and engaging—though sometimes the dialogue runs on a bit too long even though the film is only 26 minutes in length.
The film’s cinematography is good. It’s done by Director Yildirim, and features low-light shots of the forest and an interesting play with light on the actors’ faces during its campfire scenes that I found intriguing. The film’s effects are also well done for what is a mere £10,000 budget. The film’s ghost—named Amy—is played by Sienna Shih, and the effects with which Yildirim gives her a scary ghost air akin to “The Ring” is excellent. Also excellent is the costume design by Jodie Hallett, which really shines in Amy’s paranormal aspects.
Inspired by Camp Horror
“The Foreboding: Fractured” has some missteps, which are mostly in the form of some scenes that linger on or lack imperative, but they are infrequent occurrences. A minute or two could have been trimmed from the film to tighten it up, as well as perhaps a post credit scene to hint at the continuation of a ghostly presence. Additionally, some action scenes towards the film’s end struggle with some realism. Indie films are often best with dialogue, atmosphere, and tone due to their limited budget. However, Tilley’s facial acting makes up for it, and the ghost possession angle was a unique one I hadn’t seen done in horror shorts before.
All-in-all, “The Foreboding: Fractured” is a good short film. It features decent dialogue and performances, and the first time I’ve seen such a play on SFX with its ghostly apparition. Inspired by camp horror but willing to take its own path, it’s a respite from serial killer camp romps while doing its best to instill a sense of unease. Some more hinting instead of showing may have left a bigger impact, but overall this is a fun film. Look for the film on the festival circuit in the future. It had screenings last year, willing ‘Best Cinematography’ at the Folkstone Film Festival and ‘Best Horror’ film at the Pegasus Film Awards. It will next be showing on April 13th at the Heywood Horror Convention in Heywood, Rochdale, United Kingdom.
