Review by Dan Bryans
Producer Jonathan Sothcott finally puts his money where his mouth is with the first in his much-touted Hereford Horror films and while it isn’t what I was expecting, it certainly delivers on the fright front. In The Exorcism Of Karen Walker (15), a couple discovers Kirlian photography apparatus in their new house. Intrigued by the concept of photographing peoples’ auras, they unwittingly release an ancient evil.
Only the local psychic can help and she knows far more than she reveals. As the couple, Shane Taylor and Janine Nerissa are simply magnificent – we like them, we’re rooting for them. They’re believable and we care about them quickly, something horror films often get wrong.
Taylor has a very natural, still quality on screen, remaining calm and focussed as evil erupts around him. It’s a terrific performance and he is due more leading roles.
As his wife Diane, Janine Nerissa absolutely lights up the screen – warm, emotionally engaging and completely naturalistic: a star in the making. Of the supporting actors, Denise Moreno registers well as Karen and has a genuinely unsettling screen presence, while Rula Lenska is on top scenery chewing form as the local clairvoyant.
Cinematography and music are excellent too and if the production values are limited, well, this IS a straight to video horror movie. Genre fans of all ages will enjoy this classy, sophisticated chiller and will no doubt be eager for the tantalisingly teased sequel we can expect next year.
London Post Review – 4/5
