DVD: Within
Reviewed by: Samantha Keogh
Review made possible by: Times New Media
This is exactly the type of movie that makes you glad South African houses don’t have huge attics or crawl spaces between all the walls.
“You know how every neighbourhood has that one creepy house? Well, you’re living in it.”
While I wouldn’t go as far as to call Within is a horror movie, there were a few moments which made me leave my seat ever so slightly.
My boyfriend on the other hand, a seasoned horror enthusiast, just chortled.
When John Alexander, new wife Melanie and daughter Hannah move into their new house they think they’ve found their dream home, but Hannah soon starts noticing strange things happening.
While small things – like finding her teddy on the floor no matter how many times she places it on the shelf, or cupboard doors that won’t stay closed – aren’t cause for too much alarm, things are about to elevate to a new level of terror for the family.
Hannah soon discovers that there is someone in their attic, but when she tells John and Melanie they can’t find any evidence of an intruder.
While cleaning out the garage, Hannah is told by the neighbourhood children that a family – father, mother and daughter Hannah’s age – were killed in their house, setting her on edge and convincing her something sinister is afoot within the walls of their home.
Little does she know that within the walls is exactly where the problem lies.
Then there’s the creepy neighbour who seems to be getting into the house when no one is home.
What may read like another formula horror film turns out to be thrilling ride with an interesting twist in the tale.
If you’re looking for a good night in these Christmas holidays, I can recommend Within for something a little different.
Be warned though, if you have an attic you’re going to want to double-check it’s empty before hitting the play button.
