Dir: Paul Andrew Williams
Starring: Andy Serkis, Reece Shearsmith, Jennifer Ellison
When brothers David (Serkis) and Peter (Shearsmith), kidnap the daughter of a rich mobster and hold her for ransom – so that Peter can get his hands on their Mummy’s house and David can sail off to a life of tranquillity on his boat – you’d expect the inevitable punishment to be doled out by her father. The threats and ill deeds they face are far worse, however, as the brothers stumble onto the land of a psychotic farmer.
The Cottage firmly grips viewers from the very beginning with its idiotic humour whilst taking audiences down a riveting track of shock, blood and black humour. Director and writer Williams guide proceedings with an excellent mix of well-timed, sarcastic humour and blood spatters, making it somehow not so bad to be mutilated.
Ellison puts in a menacing performance as the brassy and foul-mouthed leading lady, and Williams could not have brought out a better team than Serkis and Shearsmith as their performances really do make the film. The comedic interplay between the gangster David and his weak and vulnerable younger brother Peter are the film’s highlights. The actors go through a wide range of emotions with their characters and it’s easy to get drawn into the movie through the two of them.
A must-see for lovers of Texas Chainsaw Massacre mixed in with a bit of Hot Fuzz, this film will be big. Its classic British humour and awesome script make it necessary viewing for anyone with a strong stomach.
Out Friday 14th March
8/10
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