markkbranson
OK: if you have been following my reviews, I typically am seeing second or third rate films that I often tell you up front to avoid. This one is different in several ways: acting, directing, and cinematography. If one of all of these aspects interest you, then definitely check "The Quiet Hour" out!The acting is above the typical indie or even main stream feature. Dakota Blue Richards is compelling as the girl/woman who drives this film. Her survival strength is unbelievable--whether it is burying her dead father or surviving a rape attempt. She is worth watching.Also compelling is Karl Davies. I do not have HBO so I have not seen him in "Games of Thrones"; however, his skills is emerging: he enters as a questionable character, he wins out hearts (see particularly is teary time with Richards--his tears really look real!), and he leaves the film with a question mark. His talent is emerging and he, too, deserves your interest in tracking his career.The director is Stephanie Joalland and certainly she needs your attention. I saw in an interview with the "Austin Chronicle" that she is influenced by Daphne do Maurier novella, "The Birds," NOT the Hitchcock film. Indeed, the pacing and the horror is not in things beyond us, but things that are within us. Joalland paces the film in an careful manner where we can reflect on what horror really is. She directs her cast in a thoughtful manner and frames shots that capture the beauty of the country-side OR build anxiety as the plot moves. Certainly this director is one I want to see more from.I do have one complaint: the ending is hurried and is not earned. I would have preferred something more ambiguous (I don't want to say any more because I don't want to post a spoiler here.)Some may appreciate this ending, but you see my caution. The ending, however, does not ruin the experience of this film.So check out "The Quiet Hour." If you like a hybrid of sci-fi and post-apocalypse survival with solid acting and directing, this film is for you!
Markus Amalthea Magnuson
As often, reviews and ratings on IMDb are completely wrong, as I found The Quiet Hour vastly underrated.In gloom and at slow pace, accompanied by a very rich and touching score by Carlos José Alvarez, following Sarah and Tom through the hardships of survival is an intimate journey.By avoiding an excess of action-driven plot points, as you would expect from your average alien invasion film, this one comes across far more evocative and tense.It reminded me a bit of Testament by Lynne Littman, but The Quiet Hour is the better cinematic experience of the two, and I guess somewhat more positive. (Not that any of them could really be called cheerful to the slightest.)
BR GOOD
As a non sci-fi fan I was very impressed with this film. The acting and production was superb and the drama felt like an event that really could and did happen. I did not need to use too much imagination. The film felt 'expensive' even if the budget was not. The setting (a remote house in woodland/forest) was perfect and there was a dark charm to the location. I'd quite like to live there despite the nature of the events that took place. The editing, acting and story came together to make an excellent film - and I genuinely feel invested in the lives of the characters and wonder what happened to them next. Dakota Blue Richards who was brought to the big screen in The Golden Compass was impressive as where the rest of the cast. The look and feel of this film was of a much higher quality than even BBC Dr Who or other mainstream sci-fi manages to produce.
Flanagan_30
Had the great pleasure of seeing this film at the Galway Film Festival, And was not disappointing one bit. The film has everything for an entertaining viewing. Superb location,sensitive score, believable performances and excellent camera work. Hard to believe this is a directors debut," who needs a big budget" with gems like this filmed on a shoestring. The Fantastic Tipperary Ireland landscape proved more than equal to set the scene for this story of a battle against the odds. Hopefully this film will get the cinematic release it truly deserves and needs. Lets hope the reviews from the Raindance festival move this film into gear .
AD
