Lord Donald Brocklebank (Roger Lloyd Pack) lives with his terminally ill wife Nancy and his young adult schizophrenic son James in a huge mansion house in the English countryside. Seriously destitute, Donald is forced to sell the dilapidated property in order to pay for the medical treatment of his family. When obliged to leave in order to negotiate the deal, he arranges for a qualified nurse to come in. However, the seriously unstable James is determined to prove he is responsible enough to look after his mother alone, and so locks the nurse out. James believes that the more medication he administers to himself and his mother, the healthier they will become, and Nancy's quickly deteriorating state sends James over the edge, so that he cannot separate fantasy from reality...

I think I've mentioned in previous reviews that I believe the primary purpose of a film should be to entertain. In this respect, we have certain examples of movies which, whilst they may be well-crafted, are certainly not comfortable to watch. The Living and the Dead certainly falls into that category, being too close to the real rigours of life.

Mental health continues to be a serious consideration, with so many violent incidents reported in the news, and so to me this scenario is a distinct possibility. I'd much rather watch supernatural or fantasy violence horror; this isn't the psychological horror it's depicted as.

Having said all this, a very special mention must go to Leo Bill, whose portrayal of James is nothing short of excellent. The camera work, at times using a flickering time-elapse style enhances the role, as James rushes around the house, high on pills and drug injections. It's also interesting to see Roger Lloyd Pack (Only Fools & Horses; The Vicar of Dibley) in such a serious and weighty part.

So, a striking and well-made low-budget film from writer/director Simon Rumley. The press release mentions a commentary, outtakes & deleted scenes, and the Simon Rumley short, Smiles - but none of these were on the disc I was sent; only a trailer.

6

Ty Power