David Simpson is best known for his work as an author on the science-fiction book series, Post-Human, but has now shifted into film-making with Dangerous to Know . The film is an adaptation of his forthcoming novel of the same name and sees Simpson step away from his science-fiction roots to explore the expanses of the psychological thriller. Told across the intersecting and intertwining lives of three characters, the film explores mental illness and how it affects not just the sufferer, but all those that the person’s life touches as well.
Tom (David Simpson) is worried about his sister Bridget (Bridget Graham); she has a history of various mental illnesses, but has always refused help. Her boyfriend, Jordan (Andrew Robert Wilson), is unaware of just how unstable Bridget is until he experiences her illness for himself. At this point, Bridget is placed into psychiatric care and sent to a remote location to work on her recovery. Trapped in isolation and haunted by strange apparitions, Bridget’s world becomes rocked by an Earth-shattering revelation that will change everything.
With Dangerous to Know, Simpson becomes yet another filmmaker to take on as much of the project’s responsibilities as possible, serving as writer, director, producer, editor, camera operator, sound designer, and composer. Helped by his wife, Jennifer Simpson, who produced the project in addition to helping as camera operator, colourist, and special effect designer, Dangerous to Know is entirely the pair’s own vision. It’s a direction that a lot of filmmakers seem to be moving into, especially within the indie world, as it means that people can get their voices out without being strong-armed into something that they don’t want to do by a controlling investor. Whilst the positives of this are that there are no outside interferences, this is simultaneously a negative. With minimal outside influences, projects can run the risk of becoming a little self-indulgent, and with a run-time of just over three hours, Dangerous to Know runs close to falling into this pitfall.
Three hours is a lot of time to sit with one film, especially when it’s a debut feature, but Dangerous to Know manages to be absorbing enough that it’s not too noticeable. Simpson uses the time to slowly reveal the film’s true nature as things aren’t quite as straight-forwards as they may sound. Told across five chapters, the first third of the film spends the bulk of its time with Bridget as she works on her recovery. From here, Simpson opens up the story, and world, a little further and we’re soon on our way down the rabbit-hole. Rather than fill the film full of locations and convoluted plots, the extended run-time is used to allow the character’s emotions and thoughts to fully ruminate. The film works as a meditation on various subject matters, philosophies, and ideas. Through the narrative and character actions Simpson casts a light on the power of obsession, the lure of revenge, and the dangers of manipulation.
Another important element of any film, but particularly one that you’re expected to invest so much time in, is the visuals, and they definitely do not disappoint. Set primarily within and around one house, the film is overflowing with gorgeous cinematography. The drone shots work especially well, showing off the expanse of nature and helping capture some The Shining-esque winding road moments. There’s a lot of nature on display too, with plenty of lush greenery to seduce the eyes. The star of the natural world captured within the film though has to be a stunning waterfall, which looks suitably majestic and menacing against the backdrop of the story.
Having just three main characters, and not many more supporting roles, Dangerous to Know rests on very few shoulders. Simpson himself takes on one of the more central characters, but it is the dynamic of both Briget Graham and Andrew Robert Wilson as Bridget and Jordan respectively, that sizzles. With Simpson opting to scale everything back, the pair can really sink their teeth into their roles. The story flits from one to another, offering the audience a rounded view of their complex relationship and allows ample time for each actor to shine.
Dangerous to Know is an undertaking to watch considering its weighty runtime, but those that commit to the project will be rewarded with a compelling story featuring a tangled web of obsession, malice, revenge, and manipulation.
Dangerous to Know was reviewed at Arrow Video Frightfest Halloween.
Dangerous to Know
Summary
An intricately woven story of obsession, malice, revenge and manipulation that will beguile and entrance those that seek it out.
