Dark Nature

The novelty value of a slasher film set in Scotland isn't enough to save Marc de Launay's confusing misfire. A sour-faced family of luvvies have a miserable time of it in the countryside and have to defend themselves against a deranged gamekeeper. Rather than fully embracing this simple concept, the script clumsily attempts to foster a sense of mystery and menace akin to the best of Peter Weir. But on a micro-budget and without the talent to support that vision, it comes across as pretentious and jarringly bad.

Worse still are the universally am dram performances. The family in particular are unconvincing except as bored actors reading from a script. Truly an ordeal for all the wrong reasons, it makes River City look like a Scorsese masterpiece. There are some terrific Scottish actors out there and some great directors, but none of that talent is evidenced here. Dull, amateurish and about as entertaining as a wet weekend in Millport. [Scotty McKellar]