Let Us Prey

Let Us Prey

Starring Liam Cunningham, Pollyanna McIntosh, Bryan Larkin, Hanna Stanbridge

Directed by Brian O'Malley

The Story:
Rachel Heggie (Pollyanna McIntosh) is about to start her first day as a police officer in a small Scottish town, but she is beset by a terrifying childhood traumatic event.  On her first night, she arrests a man for hitting a pedestrian, even though he disappeared after being hit.  The man (Liam Cunningham) then arrives at the police station, and unleashes the hidden evils within everyone at the prison, causing Rachel to make a decision that could affect her entire life.

The Synopsis:
"Let Us Prey" is a different type of horror film.  There's not a huge cast - only eight main actors - and because of that, they're able to really dive down deep into each character, so you know more than just their first name when they eventually bite the dust.  There's no fodder here, no expendable characters you have no thoughts about.  You know who each person is, what they've done, and how it changed them.

With such a small cast, and an inclosed space, you're free to tell a terrifying, mysterious story, and that's what director Brian O'Malley did.  Who is this mysterious man, how does he know what everyone has done, and how will it all turn out?  Sure, you could probably guess who the man is, but you have no idea how sick the people in this prison - both behind bars and not - are, and the truly nefarious deeds they've committed.

Even though the film focuses on everyone, the brunt of the story relies on its protagonist Rachel, and antagonist Six.  They're two sides of the same coin, both unyielding and powerful, yet for different ends.  Pollyanna McIntosh gives a commanding performance as Rachel, whose steely gaze tells more a story than a ten minute soliloquy.  Liam Cunningham (famous for his role on "Game of Thrones") is completely unnerving in his mysterious role, and commands the screen with just a gaze from his steely eyes. 

As far as the story goes, the mystery quickly unravels, and you can guess the outcome, but it still is an intriguing story with complex emotions and existential questions that you'll ask yourself after the film ends.  Plus, with it being a horror flick, the blood and gore are boundless, featuring some of the grossest stuff a B-rated horror film could offer, and done in a matter that resembles any big-budget blockbuster.

The Summary:
While the story unraveled near the end, "Let Us Prey" is a compelling horror tale that asks important life questions.

The Score: B+