Lynne Davison might not be a name that you have heard of, but after her directorial debut Mandrake screens at FrightFest Glasgow this month that is all set to change. Davison has been working tirelessly in the film industry for a number of years. Having been mentored by the ‘Women in Film and TV UK’ initiative by Suffragette and Rocks director Sarah Gavron, her first step into features is a bold and exciting one.
Written by Matt Harvey, Mandrake focuses on two women Cathy and Mary who are thrust together with volatile results. Probation officer Cathy Madden (Deirdre Mullins) is given the task of rehabilitating notorious killer ‘Bloody’ Mary Laidlaw (Derbhle Crotty) back into society after she was imprisoned 20 years earlier for butchering her husband with an axe. Cathy has always believed that every client deserves a shot at redemption, but her beliefs are firmly tested when two children disappear near Mary’s farm, and she discovers the legend of ‘The Wandering Man’.
Mandrake is an unsettling tale of modern witchcraft, one that forgoes the romanticism usually afforded to similar stories, presenting the situation in all it’s stark honesty. The move makes for some horribly uncomfortable viewing and sets Davison apart as a filmmaker to follow. Ahead of the World Premiere at FrightFest Glasgow we spoke with Lynne. During our time together we found out a little more about the themes explored within Mandrake, spoke about the journey to find the perfect cast and what it was that made her decide a career in the movie industry was the only one for her.
Mandrake screens at Glasgow Film Theatre, 10:45am on 12 March 2022. Tickets can be purchased here.
