Working with some familiar elements of the horror genre (ghosts) and of the fairy tale (a princess, a castle and a stallion), this 95-minute telefilm is successful at creating an intense, atmospheric tale. It recalls a bit the tales of Grimm, as well as Poe's Fall of the house of Usher.
So yes, there is a ghost story. But mostly it is a story of love unheard. Rather than relying on the usual scare tactics and a good-but-scared-girl-versus-the-villain plot, the text centers just as much around the ghosts brought by memories of what it was to be loved as a child. In a very realistic fashion, it touches serious issues like teen psychiatry, suicide, death, and what is or is not beyond death.
Yet (or maybe because of this) there is no such thing as a body count. There has been one mysterious death, that has remained unsolved mainly because everyone in town has got something to hide. But everyone has got something they would like to find, too. Ultimately, part of the mystery will be solved, but not all of it. Meanwhile, the movie gives a very realistic portrayal of modern-day family relationships, where silence has buried love under deep-rooted suspicions.
The only moot point, imho, lies in the uneven acting. Sometimes, the actors seem unconvinced, despite the strong text they are given. Hence, nine out 10, but a must-see for horror and mystery fans alike. Also check for some new-age undertones. Finally, it should please both genders. (no gross-out stuff here, but an intelligent, well-written story).
So yes, there is a ghost story. But mostly it is a story of love unheard. Rather than relying on the usual scare tactics and a good-but-scared-girl-versus-the-villain plot, the text centers just as much around the ghosts brought by memories of what it was to be loved as a child. In a very realistic fashion, it touches serious issues like teen psychiatry, suicide, death, and what is or is not beyond death.
Yet (or maybe because of this) there is no such thing as a body count. There has been one mysterious death, that has remained unsolved mainly because everyone in town has got something to hide. But everyone has got something they would like to find, too. Ultimately, part of the mystery will be solved, but not all of it. Meanwhile, the movie gives a very realistic portrayal of modern-day family relationships, where silence has buried love under deep-rooted suspicions.
The only moot point, imho, lies in the uneven acting. Sometimes, the actors seem unconvinced, despite the strong text they are given. Hence, nine out 10, but a must-see for horror and mystery fans alike. Also check for some new-age undertones. Finally, it should please both genders. (no gross-out stuff here, but an intelligent, well-written story).