Connolly on form in 'Wake Wood'

Director: David Keating

Cast: Aiden Gillen, Eva Birthwhistle, Ella Connolly, Amelia Crowley, Timothy Spall

Cert: 18

The revival of Hammer Films continues at an encouraging, and warmly welcome, pace with this chillingly effective tale of love, loss … and the recently dead, set in a small Irish village that provides the film’s title.

Wake Wood offers residents the opportunity of meeting the just-departed for three days, which parents Patrick (Gillen) and Louise (Birthwhistle) welcome, seeing daughter Alice (Connolly) one last time.

But, of course, the ‘gift’ has associated rules which must be obeyed … and Louise decides she doesn’t want to play the game.

It’s a creepy and effective film in which Connolly brings us an outstanding performance with white-knuckles and raised-hair written all over it.

Star Rating: 4/5