Malice (15) Dir. Fredrick Wiltord

New and upcoming director Fredrick Wiltord this week makes the latest contribution to the horror canon. Obsessive fans of the genre may recognise his name from the final credits of modern greats such as Saw and The Last Exorcism. This horror obsessed enthusiast started as a runner on the set of Halloween (John Carpenter, 1978) which was issued five stars by this publication and is seen by all to be an iconic horror film.

Fredrick Wiltord’s Malice develops the genre by combining his knowledge in all areas of the film industry incorporating the contemporary concerns of some with Satanism. As well as including the macabre, this newest addition to the terrifying genre includes realistic issues such as bullying. Wiltord intertwines this perennial issue with a devilish vengeance to produce a worthy project.

The film’s unconvential plot begins with an introverted child being bullied in school by the popular group: yes this is the conventional part. The child (James Dunkin) faces being punched, kicked and laughed at everyday by three main perpetrators. Suffering from so much distress he seeks help, but not from a friend or family. Rather he seeks comfort from the possibilities that the Internet offers.

An angry child using the Internet to seek revenge isn’t the best of ideas and swiftly the boy stumbles across a Satanism website where he learns that sinning will apparently gain him respect, fame and fortune. Joining an Internet chat with other roguish devil followers gives him ideas of what to do to gain revenge, developing an indoctrinated mind state that ultimately results in his transformation into a psycho killer.

All the ingredients of this film are perfectly mixed to create a great horror movie, but it’s slightly more of an acquired taste; a powerful malevolent storyline in harmony with inexperienced acting. It’s what you take personally from it rather than what is offered.

With a flawless and original storyline this film was destined to be a modern great. Unfortunately there are many faults with some of the cheesy performances from these inexperienced actors. The dialogue suited those actors of a high status, not a young Brad Pitt impersonator better suited for a low budget action film. The direction was flawless but some of the actors just didn’t seem suited to their roles.

The notable exception was the “killer” Perry Rowe. Rowe displayed excellent acting and will have a very promising future in the film industry if he continues with such jaw dropping performances. His presence and physicality mimicked those with many more years of experience. Whether this can be credited to the director or just a rare show of pure talent will be seen in Rowe’s future performances.

This twisted plot brings excitement and the macabre inducing typical conventions of a horror movie with jumpy, fast paced scenes with gruesome shots. This film will not disappoint. A perfect introductory film for Fredrick Wiltord with Malice (2011). Coming Soon.

VIEWS/OPINIONSThe Sun ***“Juxtaposed sub genres that seem to work in perfect harmony”

The daily telegraph **** “Best plot since Saw”

The Guardian ****“Destined to be a modern great”

The Daily Mail ****“Great future for Horror fanatics with upcoming director Fredrick Wiltord”

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MARK KERMODE-THE OBSERVER