The allure of horrors at sea has long been a fascination for filmmakers, with a plethora of movies exploring this theme. "Haunting of the Queen Mary" joins the ranks of such films, delving into the chilling depths of terror aboard a historic vessel. However, while promising, the film ultimately flounders due to a disjointed script, underdeveloped characters, and a struggle to find coherence.
Synopsis: A Glimpse into the Abyss
Set against the backdrop of Halloween Eve in 1938, "Haunting of the Queen Mary" opens with a jarring event that sets the stage for the horrors to come. As an axe-wielding man terrorizes the ship's corridors, festivities transform into a nightmarish ordeal. The narrative then rewinds to chronicle the events leading up to this harrowing incident.
The story shifts between two timelines and families: one in 1938 and the other in the present day. The past follows Gwen and David Ratch, attempting to secure their daughter Jackie's future in the glitz of Hollywood. Meanwhile, Anne and Patrick Calder, accompanied by their son Lukas, embark on a journey to document the ship's haunting history for a book and virtual ghost tours.
Review: A Voyage Adrift in Unease
While the concept of "Haunting of the Queen Mary" holds immense promise, it stumbles in its execution. Director Gary Shore and co-writer Tom Vaughan draw inspiration from the ship's storied past and its rumored ghostly inhabitants. The usage of the actual ship as a backdrop lends authenticity, elevating the film's visual appeal.
Visually, the film shines, especially in its depiction of the ship's 1938 splendor and elegance. Scenes with icons like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers are stunning, capturing the ship's golden era. The modern-day setting, set against the ship's cavernous engine room, effectively builds an atmosphere of dread, thanks to cinematographer Isaac Bauman's skillful work.
A Muddled Tale and Lost Souls
However, despite its visual prowess, the film grapples with a convoluted script that fails to seamlessly weave its dual timelines. The characters' arcs are underdeveloped, leaving the audience disconnected from their struggles. The juggling of multiple characters and events becomes overwhelming, leading to a lack of empathy or investment in their fates.
Moreover, the film's dialogue and clarity suffer in various instances. Conversations in masks and noisy environments hinder comprehension, resulting in confusion. The intricate narrative structure, which attempts to intertwine stories and events, often leaves viewers struggling to grasp the unfolding tale.
Scares and Shadows: Moments of Brilliance
"Haunting of the Queen Mary" does manage to conjure up well-staged scares, unexpected deaths, and grisly murders. The film doesn't shy away from showcasing the brutality of violence, with impactful visual effects by Keith Harding and Jimm Stark. The technical achievements in the realm of horror are commendable, making the most of the gruesome moments.
Anchored by Potential, Adrift in Execution
While the film's technical merits shine, its narrative struggles overshadow its strengths. With judicious editing and refinement, "Haunting of the Queen Mary" could have been a standout genre film. Instead, its potential is weighed down by a script that fails to do justice to intriguing concepts. Despite a capable cast, the film falters in rendering characters worth investing in.
Conclusion
"Haunting of the Queen Mary" embarks on a journey fraught with untapped potential. While it navigates the eerie history of the ship and its spectral tales, the film struggles to coalesce its elements into a cohesive narrative. Despite its moments of horror brilliance, the film ultimately becomes another entry in the watchable-but-disappointing category. The chilling voyage through the Queen Mary's dark history could have been a thrilling cinematic experience, but it remains adrift amidst unfulfilled promises.
Haunting of the Queen Mary (2023) - info
- Release date: August 18, 2023
- Genre: Drama, Horror, Mystery
- Director: Gary Shore, Rebecca Harris
- Writers: Gary Shore, Tom Vaughan
- Stars: Alice Eve, Tim Downie, Joel Fry