Containment review: Solid, though lacks the real thrills or suspense to truly excel in the genre.
Containment review
Directed by newcomer Neil Mcenery-West, this low-budget sci-fi thriller stars a British cast, led by Lee Ross, Sheila Reid and Lousie Brealey, trapped within the confines of an isolated apartment block.
Mark (Lee Ross), a down-on-his-luck artist awakens to discover he’s been sealed in his flat without electricity, water or any clue as to whats going on. When ominous figures in hazmat suits begin roaming the grounds and a small group of neighbours break through his wall, spouting their own theories, Mark begins to realise the extent of their predicament.
Containment review
An interesting concept, Containment is a good debut for Mcenery-West, with the film’s well-crafted visual style and use of its claustrophobic environment suggesting the director will see more opportunities come his way in the future. Despite the beleaguered residents suffering from a few frustrating clichés and questionable behaviours, the cast perform admirably in their roles, with Ross’ leading man and Reid’s nostalgic neighbour Enid particularly worthy of praise.
Understated and succinct in its execution, Containment is an intriguing British sci-fi thriller offering suitable ambiguity, plot twists and the looming threat of societal breakdown, though it lacks the real thrills or suspense to truly excel in the genre.
Containment review by Mike McCarthy, September 2015.
Containment is released in UK cinemas from Friday 11th September, 2015.
