The best thing about this gothic thriller is the photography, so vivid in its colors that the film literally pops out at you, and that makes it quite stunning to look at, especially in the spooky scenes. Vanessa Redgrave is an author dying of pancreatic cancer, and has allowed a biographer (Olivia Colman) to come to her house to write her story. What Colman finds is a mystery, not only about Redgrave's life, but unrevealed details about situations in her books which are based on Redgrave's childhood. As Redgrave reveals her story, the questions arise that have some very shocking answers.
Every color the camera picks up on is presented with vivid detail that is stunning to see, especially the greenery of the land Redgrave's character grew up on. It really pops out as if the viewer had on 3-D glasses. The sudden blurred background pop into focus as either the camera moves in or the figure walking towards the camera gets closer. The effect is brilliant and really adds to the mood. Redgrave plays most of her part lying on a couch and Colman basically sits there and takes notes, so there isn't much for them to do acting wise. They're supporting to the background story. I'm reminded of Bronte novels, "The Turn of the Screw" and "The Woman in White" while watching this. Intriguing, but missing that real bang until later that makes the viewer say "Wow!"
Every color the camera picks up on is presented with vivid detail that is stunning to see, especially the greenery of the land Redgrave's character grew up on. It really pops out as if the viewer had on 3-D glasses. The sudden blurred background pop into focus as either the camera moves in or the figure walking towards the camera gets closer. The effect is brilliant and really adds to the mood. Redgrave plays most of her part lying on a couch and Colman basically sits there and takes notes, so there isn't much for them to do acting wise. They're supporting to the background story. I'm reminded of Bronte novels, "The Turn of the Screw" and "The Woman in White" while watching this. Intriguing, but missing that real bang until later that makes the viewer say "Wow!"