DVD Review - Observance (2016) (31 Days Of Horror Day 3)

Mysterious, chilling and a slow-burn chiller, Observance is the newest release from the incredible Soda Pictures. Coming to UK DVD from 10th October 2016.

In Observance, Parker (Lindsay Farris) is a private investigator who has reluctantly returned to work after the tragic death of his young son, and with his marriage and the rocks, work seems like the only thing to get his mind off his troubles. However, this time around his mission is to observe a young woman who he is to track for a number of days. However, things become very disturbing very fast and Parker has to figure out what is haunting him before it’s too late.

I honestly can say I really enjoyed this film, however not quite as much as I had hoped. I am a massive fan of Soda Pictures and I think they release some great films. This was a very good, well done and chilling film but I do have my reservations with it.

Firstly, as much as I like slow burn thriller/horror films, I found this to be a little too slow at times. I can totally see why the film took it’s time and built things up. There were just times I felt the film did need to have more action a lot quicker in the film.

I found that I was waiting around for things to happen. In saying this though I did enjoy the film and when things did begin to happen it really made the wait worthwhile.

I did really enjoy the suspense factor in the film. There was just something so eerie about this film from pretty much the opening. The chilling atmosphere was brilliant and really helped keep me gripped, despite the slow pace of the film. I think it was that atmosphere that kept me watching and kept my attention.

The acting, for the most part, was very good. There was no one in the film I didn’t think didn’t play their role well. I do think that the Lindsay Farris did a fantastic job as he is our main focus for 90% of the film. He has done a wonderful job and really showed us his range in acting.

I can see him doing really well from this film or at least I hope that he does well from this film. I did see that from his IMDb page he has snapped up a role in the Aussie drama Home and Away, which all I can say to that is – each to their own I guess.

It really is movies like this that showcases that Australian horror is one of the best and growing genres. I want to see more from this great countries film talent.

Overall I really enjoyed Observance but it won’t be to everyone’s taste I can imagine as the slowness of the film might be off-putting for those casual film fans. I do thing sticking in with the film is the best plan as I think it has a great payoff.

Excellent work from all involved