The ghost of a former life – and maybe something much worse – haunts a widower in the creepy new film “The Eclipse.”
Yes, it’s confusing to share the same name as a “Twilight” sequel, but this Irish import deserves a fair viewing on its own merits.
It’s more character study than shocker, but you’ll stiffen up at least twice as the movie delivers more jolts than your average horror film remake.
But it’s still a slight production, one carried by nuanced performances and settings, not a hook-filled narrative.
Character actor Ciaran Hinds plays Michael Farr, a failed novelist and widower left to care for his two children following the death of his wife two years ago. He keeps in touch with the world of literature by helping out with the local literary festival each year.
The latest gathering draws Nicholas (Aidan Quinn), a self-important scribe as well as horror novelist Lena (Iben Hjejle).
The trio form a curious triangle when Michael starts seeing ghastly images that may or may not be connected to his late wife. And Nicholas thinks a one-night stand with Lena is the start of a brand new relationship.
Quinn is particularly creepy here, but it’s the delicate relationship between Michael and Lena that powers this minor tale.
She’s a horror writer who can’t bare to talk about ghosts, and he’s a lonely man unsure how to process his feelings toward her.
Writer/director Conor McPherson brings a painterly approach to his film, dazzling us with rich compositions and exquisite peeks at the small Irish town Michael calls home. You’ll want to freeze frame several sequences and hang the images on your wall.
While most modern ghost stories end with a pyrotechnic fury – and reams of illogical knot tying – “The Eclipse” draws to a close in a far more muted fashion. It leaves the viewer less than satisfied, but the tone matches the quiet beauty of the rest of the film.
Note: The Blu-ray presentation features two “making of” style featurettes.
(Photo: Iben Hjejle and Ciaran Hinds explore the possibility of ghosts in “The Eclipse.”)
Related posts:
on 
on 
on 
on 
