The living can haunt you.|Feb. 11, 2022|United Kingdom|83 Min.|R
Genre: Drama;Mystery;Thriller
Description: The Irish horror drama “Here Before,” written and directed by Belfast native Stacey Gregg, revolves around Laura (Andrea Riseborough), a grieving mother, and her young neighbor, Megan (Niamh Dornan). Set in a small town, the film explores Laura’s emotional turmoil as she becomes convinced that Megan possesses eerie knowledge of her deceased daughter, Rosalie.
The story unfolds with deliberate tension, highlighted by scenes like the camera slowly focusing on a schoolhouse coat hook where Megan’s name has been replaced with Rosalie’s. This visual metaphor underscores the unrelenting dread that permeates the narrative. Gregg skillfully crafts a mood of unsettling ambiguity, amplified by Riseborough’s compelling performance as Laura, a woman grappling with her grief and growing obsession with Megan.
The film’s psychological depth is maintained through Laura’s interactions with Megan, who inexplicably recalls details about Rosalie’s life, such as being buried in the local cemetery and specific habits like drawing ketchup smiley faces on sandwiches. These revelations intensify Laura’s distress, drawing her further into a web of mystery and emotional conflict.
However, the story takes a sharp turn with a sudden and unsettling twist that disrupts the narrative’s focus. While the twist adds a layer of psychodrama, it also feels somewhat abrupt and underdeveloped, leaving viewers to piece together their interpretations. Despite this, the film’s atmospheric tension and Riseborough’s nuanced portrayal keep the audience engaged, as Laura’s journey leads her to confront Megan’s mother, Marie (Eileen O’Higgins), and confront the haunting truths of her past.
“Here Before” is a thought-provoking exploration of grief, memory, and the blurred lines between reality and perception, anchored by strong performances and a hauntingly atmospheric tone.
Cast director: Stacey Gregg
Cast actor: Andrea Riseborough, Martin McCann, Jonjo O’Neill, Eileen O’Higgins, Louise Mathews, Niamh Dornan, Lewis McAskie
Original name: Here Before