31 Days of Horror: Day Two - Pod

Pod is another film that was screened at 2015's London Frightfest, the film is about two siblings who go to visit their brother in a secluded lake house after fearing for his personal wellbeing. This sibling, Martin (Brian Morvant), has had a history of mental illness and so his story of experimental testing and something lurking in the basement is hard to believe.

At a rather economical 80 minutes, the film wastes no time getting stuck in as we are thrown into the tumultuous relationship between the three siblings. The relationship shared between the three siblings is believable one. The viewer generally gets a sense that each of the siblings (particularly Lyla and Ed) are almost trying their best to get underneath each other's skin and rub the other the wrong way. The fraught relationship between the two siblings does create drama and genuine tension as a complex situation between people who do not get on with each other is a precarious position and one that could easily ignite into something with serious consequences.

The fact that Martin has had severe mental problems in the past casts doubt on his story of military testing and a monster lurking in the basement, however it's a horror movie so it is likely one thinks it's more than possible that there is something behind that ominous looking locked door. Whilst the reveal itself is a little disappointing, it's the build to the reveal (the first steps in the basement is a perfect example of tension) that really works wonders. 

The performances by the three main cast members are terrific (though Lauren Ashley Carter is laboured with a lot of screaming and panicking), and there is also a menacing, yet very brief, supporting performance from Larry Fessenden, in a role that certainly leaves a lot of questions unanswered.

3/5