London isn’t a pretty place, at least not in God’s Acre. Derelict buildings, rusty windows, old furniture, cracked walls populate the British capital in this new psychological thriller/ horror set somewhere near the canals and abandoned industrial sites in in Hackney.

Former property developer Malcolm (Matthew Jure) has lost almost everything to the recession. He has one remaining property, which represents his only chance of paying his friend-turned-foe Sonny (Richard Pepple) and avoiding a lifetime in debt. He needs to renovate the highly neglected house in which he inhabits, and where he spends most of his time as a recluse and alcoholic. This dwelling is also dirty and disturbing, not too different from the outside.

One day, he begins to demolish the internal walls finding toys, clothes and trinkets apparently belonging to a woman and child, and he is concerned that the two are entombed in there, too. Plagued by nightmares and apparitions of previous tenants Malcolm’s obsession leads to uncharacteristic acts of violence as he attempts to fend for himself.

Beautifully filmed in a constant bluish and somber hue, the film evokes some of the worst fears of Londoners: eviction, strange lodgers, ruthless friends and creepy neighbours. Malcolm seems either delusional or depressed – perhaps both – and Jure does an outstanding job in conveying profound feelings of despair and hopelessness. On other other hand, the film has some loose ends, which render the narrative a little convoluted and difficult to follow. And some of the supporting actors fail deliver the adrenaline that the plot requires.

Eviction is a very constant theme for Londoners, both in real life and in cinema. Earlier this year, the film Hot Property (Max McGill) dealt with a very similar subject, but this time for comedic purposes – click here in order to read our review.

God’s Acre was nominated for the Best Feature Award at the Raindance Film Festival last year. It is showing as part of the the East End Film Festival this weekend. Click here for more information about the film and here for more about the event in London.

You can watch the film trailer below:

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