This week in the crypt we take a look at the new Shudder Exclusive, THE RECKONING.
You can catch THE RECKONING beginning this Thursday May 13th!
Directed by Neil Marshall (The Descent, Dog Soldiers, Game Of Thrones), THE RECKONING taker viewers on an almost 2 hour journey through the era of the black plague and witchcraft. Co-written by Marshall with star Charlotte Kirk and Edward Evers-Swindell the film is effective and delivers a well written story.
THE RECKONING follows the story of Grave Haverstock (Charlotte Kirk – Ocean’s 8) as she is accused of being a witch after her husband dies. She is placed in the custody of the ruthless Judge Moorcroft (Sean Pertwee – Dog Soldiers, Gotham). From there viewers are treated to scenes of various torture methods.
What works for the film is the story, the setting and period it is set in, it’s well cast, and beautifully shot. The visuals also work (plague doctor outfits, wooded areas, pubs, etc). Also there’s some good fx and gore. While this is more of a thriller/drama instead of straight forward horror, it’s a very well done film from an established genre director.
Where it may be a struggle for some viewers is the run time, clocking in at just under 2 hours the pacing was fine, but it can feel long at times. Also this shares more with The Devils than it does The VVitch, which I prefer but most viewers may not.
Pair this with Ken Russel’s The Devils for a night of puritanical torture.
Adam Holtzapfel is the face behind Reviews From The Crypt and Interviews From The Crypt. Growing up in the 80s on a steady diet of VHS horror, he has maintained a love of the genre since. Loving almost everything from the good, the bad, and the weird he now searches the deepest realm of the Roku to press play on any film he hasn’t watched a million times.