Stalker made its UK debut at this August’s Frightfest.
As actress Rose Hepburn (Sophie Skelton) returns to her rundown hotel after a day of filming her latest horror film, she begrudgingly uses the freight lift. As the lift breaks down mid-floor, Rose finds herself claustrophobically trapped with a strange man. She soon discovers that she is no stranger to her fellow lift passenger as he reveals himself to be Daniel (Stuart Brennan), a camera operator on the set of her new movie. As they begin to divulge more and more personal details to each other, the situation that begins to unfold has Rose questioning just how much of the truth Daniel is telling her, and whether these revelations will be detrimental to her safety.
Set entirely in one location, save for a scene containing a Bret Hart cameo as Rose’s director, this allows for an in-depth exploration of the characters and allows viewers more than enough time and attention to deduce who the title of the film alludes to. The tension gradually intensifies as the power dynamic between Rose and Daniel volleys back and forth, causing the audience’s alliance to continuously switch. Stuart Brennan plays the awkward but secretive Daniel with the strength of Carl Boehm from Peeping Tom (1960) and with an air of unnerving edge, enough to give anyone the ick. Sophie Skelton enthusiastically plays Rose, never quite giving away whether she is the wide-eyed innocent actress, or someone hiding dark secrets, although at times her performance veers into one that is slightly unbelievable.
Stalker is an engaging commentary on gender power dynamics, sexual violence and everyday thinly veiled misogynistic micro-aggressions. As the second half of the chamber piece evolves, unfortunately, the main message becomes a little bit muddled, but the visceral gore that ensues brings an entertaining value that more than makes up for its convoluted conclusion.
Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment presents Stalker on DVD and Digital from 10th October
CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW TO BUY STALKER ON DVD
STALKER (2022)
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