A ghost story.|Aug. 19, 2021|United Kingdom|95 Min.|R
Genre: Adventure;Drama;Horror;Mystery;Thriller
Description: The 2021 film *Martyrs Lane* is a haunting ghost story centered around a ten-year-old girl named Leah, portrayed by Kiera Thompson. The narrative frequently focuses closely on her perspective, capturing her experiences as she navigates the complexities of her family dynamic, often feeling excluded. Leah’s mother, Sarah, played by Denise Gough, is emotionally distant and prone to outbursts, which deeply affects Leah, even manifesting in unsettling nightmares. Her older sister, Bex, portrayed by Hannah Rae, exhibits her own struggles within the family, occasionally teasing Leah as siblings do but also harboring her own tensions. Meanwhile, their father, Thomas, a religious figure portrayed by Steven Cree, retreats further into spirituality. Despite these challenges, there are moments of warmth, such as when the family gathers in their sunlit kitchen.
A sense of emptiness pervades their lives, and Leah’s curiosity about her mother’s sorrow leads her to explore a locket Sarah carries, containing a lock of hair. This act triggers a deeper unraveling of Sarah’s emotional state and propels the story forward. The film skillfully intertwines Leah’s gradual understanding of her mother’s hidden pain with a growing sense of unease, crafting a poignant yet unsettling horror tale. Denise Gough delivers a powerful performance, though the film’s narrow perspective and plotting occasionally limit its potential.
At its core, *Martyrs Lane* explores a child’s innocent yet profound understanding of death and the unsettling reality of being thrust into perilous situations, whether physical or supernatural. There’s an unspoken secret within the family, and the narrative follows Leah as she grapples with this trauma. Her journey is marked by encounters with a mysterious girl, played by Sienna Sayer, who appears at Leah’s window at night, adorned with angel wings. The girl claims they are part of a costume but suggests she is growing real ones, adding to the eerie atmosphere of the story.
Cast director: Ruth Platt
Cast actor: Kiera Thompson, Denise Gough, Sienna Sayer, Steven Cree, Hannah Rae, Anastasia Hille
Original name: Martyrs Lane