Gruesome Secrets Lurk in Hallowed Art Halls

Read Time:3 Minute, 33 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
End of Term
–

Genre: Horror
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 36m
Director(s): Mat Menony
Writer(s): John Paul Chapple
Cast: Peter Davison, Nicola Posener, Julie Graham, David Bamber, Ronald Pickup, Ben Lamb, Ivan Kaye, Chelsea Edge
Where To Watch: On UK digital on October 2, 2023, from Reel 2 Reel Films

RAVING REVIEW: Mat Menony's END OF TERM unveils a dreadful tale where the calm and poised hallways of the esteemed Ford Barrington Art School bleed into a realm of haunting dread and eerie revelations. The movie doesn’t just haunt with its horror-thriller tag ‘DEATH IS ART’ but plunges deep into the murky waters of an artist’s psyche entwined with a haunting legacy stretching back half a century. It’s not merely about the ghosts that lurk in the shadows but also the dark lore of Garth Stroman (Ivan Kaye,) a twisted artist of yore, hanging ominously over the aspiring artists as they race towards the day of their dreams—Graduation Day.

The first frames plunge us into a mystic eerie tale, where the realms of reality and the grotesque dance on the edge of the surreal. At the core of the twisted narrative is Melissa, portrayed with a blend of vulnerability and grit by Chelsea Edge. The darkness unveils itself when she's discovered in a horrific state within the depths of the school's desolate, blood-streaked basement. As she steps into the sinister whirlpool of dark secrets, a simple dialogue with a detective peels layers off Ford Barrington's seemingly pristine facade, hinting at an underbelly of grim artistic ideologies. However, some sharper and more in-depth dialogue could’ve spiced up the back and forth, forging a compelling narrative arc around the duel between art and anguish.

As the plot thickens, so does the mystery, with each scene meticulously painting strokes of fear, anticipation, and bone-chilling suspense. The classical whodunnit gets a dark artistic overlay as Melissa untangles the web of enigmatic characters and veiled intentions, adding shades to the plot. The once serene hallways of Ford Barrington soon transform into eerie galleries of fear, secrets, and haunting philosophies.

END OF TERM melds horror with mystery, attempting to serve a narrative brew with a dash of camp to its viewers. Though the promise of a bone-chilling premise is there, the zest in its delivery somewhat wanes, where fleeting romantic moments and minor squabbles appear as mere shadows before the darkness that follows.

END OF TERM is a praiseworthy endeavor, as it braids horror with rich thematic undercurrents, meticulously navigating the voyage of pursuing unadulterated artistry. Set against a backdrop of horror, it offers an engaging narrative for the audience to reflect upon.

In retrospect, more in-depth dialogue and a more profound depiction of artistic ideologies could have transcended END OF TERM from a mere horror narrative to a profound delve into the bleak alleys artists might tread for their craft. Despite its slight missteps, the film entwines a sinister narrative rich in thematic essence, presenting a commendable narrative in the horror genre while offering a fresh lens on the often stormy voyage of artistic exploration and expression.

For more reviews, please visit – https://linktr.ee/Overlyhonestmoviereviews for more info.

Follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Find my social media accounts on most platforms simply by searching Overly Honest Movie Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of REEL 2 REEL FILMS]

MY SAG-AFTRA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals' extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I'm steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.

#SAGAFTRA #SAGAFTRAStrong