BLACK DEATH (2011)

Country Of Origin: UK/Germany

USA Release: Friday, March 11, 2011 (Limited Theatrical)

How I Saw It: Comcast On Demand

MPAA Rating: R for Violence, Gore, and Language

Running Time: 1 hour 41 minutes

Directed by: Christopher Smith

Written by: Dario Poloni

Starring: Eddie Redmayne, Sean Bean, Carice Van Houten

With the exception of SEASON OF THE WITCH, there aren't too many horror films dealing with the horrifying period in medieval history where the black plague brought chaos down upon the heads of peasants, rich folk, and church-goers alike. Christopher Smith (who directed CREEP, SEVERANCE, TRIANGLE) has made his most mature film in BLACK DEATH. It is unlike any of his previous horror stories in that it owes a lot to atmosphere and pure suspense, while also bringing in some really cool gore and seriously depraved plot twists throughout.

 A young monk promises a beautiful girl that he is in love with that he will meet her in the forest within a week. Very soon after that, a group of "god's warriors" arrive in the monk's monastery seeking a guide to get them through the forest and marsh to reach a remote village where the black plague has not taken its toll. Turns out they believe this village is not affected because of a supposed necromancer who dwells within this isolated village. This quest may lead them into the very pits of hell itself and to the brink of madness.

 The acting from everyone involved is very professional and the writing is nothing short of brilliant. Supense is built up extremely well. The true aspect of the horror within this story lies in that the most terrifying events that happen in this film could (and probably did) very well happen in the time period it was set. There are brief touches of the supernatural, but these are but brief moments and do not distract from the main story at hand.

 This was clearly a film made with a passion for bringing the horror, scares, and darkness that lies within us all out into the open. There are some major twists that happen throughout the film, particularly in the final act. In my honest opinion the film couldn't have closed out better. This was a truly horrifying experience that didn't cater to any particular audience and told a mature (all too real) horror story that will shock, mortify, and leave you with your jaw on the floor. I was absolutely agast in the final act at how dark this movie got. One line of dialogue made me realize how bleak this movie truly was.

Grade: A+: Prepare to be floored by this epic, terrifying tale of one of the bleakest moments in world history. As it should be, this movie is truly as bleak and disturbing as they come. It doesn't completely rely on gore (though it does have some messy moments). The acting, directing, atmosphere, writing, everything about this movie had me floored. It is an amazing masterpiece that demands to be seen by horror fans. Definitely give this one a look when you get a chance!