Monday 5 September 2022

CONTROL - FrightFest review

Director James Mark's CONTROL was another film screening as part of the FrightFest Discovery section (which I was fortunate enough to see a screener of, being unable to attend in person). In which a young woman (Sara Mitich – TV's Star Trek : Discovery) wakes to find herself trapped in a high-tech padded cell. 

From a loud speaker in the ceiling, she is ordered to complete a relatively simple task within an allotted time frame, which if she fails to do, will result in the death of her daughter. But, after doing what she's asked, she then finds herself given another task, which is not as easy, and the next task is more complicated still. 

Not only this, but when her husband (George Tchortov – TV's The Expanse) is imprisoned along side her, she finds she's not only fighting for her daughters life, but that of her husband and herself too.  

But, when she discovers she may have an unusual ability that will allow her to do whatever tasks she is asked without having to move a muscle, this raises the question as to why she was really brought there and what her abductors are really trying to do...

Whilst the film was a bit of a slow burner to start with, it was, never-the-less, very compelling, as you're left wondering for what sinister reason this couple have been imprisoned. The film then kicks up a gear for the finale when she discovers there may be a way out and they try to stop her and things become a bit more action packed.

Director James Mark had previously directed the sci-fi thrillers ENHANCED and KILL ORDER, as well as having worked in the industry as a stuntman, so obviously knows his craft and how to make the most of a low budget. Being mostly set in one location, I found it reminiscent of the 1997 film “Cube”, which shared similar themes, but with a David Cronenberg “Scanners” twist.

If you like low budget sci-fi horrors, definitely check this one out.

View the trailer on YouTube.

 

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