Burial

As part of the London Frightfest festival we were able to discover the new film from writer/director Ben Parker Burial (The Chamber (2016), Girl on the Third Floor (2019)). Distributed in the United States by IFC Midnight, this independent film mixes with an undeniable talent the war film and horror despite a reduced budget that is compensated by a script and a mastered direction. 

The action of the film begins in 1991 during a burglary that will confront a burglar and an old woman who not only manages to control him but who will also tell him her story and her difficult mission in the last days of the Second World War. A small group of Russian soldiers, led by intelligence agent Brana Vasilyeva (Cahrlotte Vega), are given the mission to bring the remains of Adolf Hitler back to Stalin. This difficult mission will make them face German soldiers and werewolves. Burial is interesting because of the care given to a historical reconstruction but also by integrating horrific elements. The main action of the film takes place in the middle of the Polish forest and gives the film a very special touch.

In spite of a too linear rhythm and a lack of action, Burial also allows to tackle philosophical questions about war, the existence of real or not monsters but also about the society and its decline. The intelligence of the scenario is also highlighted by a careful photography of Rein Kotov.  The result is a simple film but one that can be watched with pleasure.

Burial
Written and directed by Ben Parker
Produced by Ignacio de Medina, Paul Higgins, Matthew James Wilkinson
Starring Harriet Walter Tom Felton, Barry Ward, Charlotte Vega, Bill Milner, Dan Renton Skinner, David Alexander, Kristjan Üksküla, Niall Murphy, Ester Kuntu, Bashka Forrest, Hendrik Toompere Jr.
Music by Alex Baranowski 
Cinematography: Rein Kotov
Edited by Ellie Johnson 
Distributed by IFC Midnight
Release date : September 2 2022 (United States),
Running time : 95 minutes

Seen on august 27, 2022 (screener press)

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