Written and Directed by Axelle Carolyn, Soulmate is an absolute gem of a film, shot with pretty much a handful of cast members (including Anubis the dog, shes awesome), the film is an excellent piece of work for Axelle's feature debut (she has directed several short films previous to this).
Soulmate has beautiful cinematography (by Sara Deane) set in stunning locations (Powys in Wales), the film has an excellent stage play feel to it, and if it hasn't already begun to appeal to those who love theatre, it should. 'Soulmate' would work brilliantly on stage. Heres hoping Axelle decides to adapt it for the boards at some point.
But lets get back to the film. Whereas most 'haunted house' films are set to large set pieces and furniture flying all over the place, people screaming and running from buildings that collapse. 'Soulmate' is pure character based storytelling, focusing on Audrey (Anna Walton) and her obsession with learning more about Talbot Cottage and its history.
Whilst the performance of the film pretty much sits on the shoulders of Anna Walton, the supporting cast also do a wonderful job with their roles.
The minimal cast of Tom Wisdom (300, The Boat That Rocked), Tanya Myers (Oranges and Sunshine, Control) and Nick Brimble (Robin Hood:Prince of Thieves, 7Lives), and Anubis the dog in her feature film debut all propelling the story towards its conclusion.
Whilst I don't like to focus on gender, it is worth noting (isnt it?) that its fantastic and very well earned to see so many main roles in this film occupied by women. Writer/Director, Cinematographer, Art Direction, Costume designer, Make up department, and many many more.
Would the film have been different had it been male orientated? (different perhaps, better, I highly doubt it) Who knows. But I know that Soulmate is a fantastic project, with the perfect casting, from a great story, wonderfully acted and put together. It doesn't need action set pieces, it doesn't need buckets of gore or jump scares, and doesn't need a third act set of craziness. Things that so often fill creepy films nowadays.
For those who love creepy house movies, perhaps you are a Hammer film fan. Did you love The Others or The Woman In Black? But you know what. If you just love good films, with good stories. Then you need to check out Soulmate which is out on DVD on August 11th 2014. Or perhaps you love the classic films. I was reminded to a certain extent of a film that came out in the 40s, but I didn't see until the late 80s. That film. The Ghost and Mrs Muir where the story also wasn't a poltergeist movie but was in fact a film about people (and spirits). If you haven't seen The Ghost and Mrs Muir. Track it down.
Its also worth noting that on the Soulmate DVD there are some great special features including interviews with some of the people behind the film (Axelle Carolyn, Neil Marshall and Anna Walton)
Soulmate has beautiful cinematography (by Sara Deane) set in stunning locations (Powys in Wales), the film has an excellent stage play feel to it, and if it hasn't already begun to appeal to those who love theatre, it should. 'Soulmate' would work brilliantly on stage. Heres hoping Axelle decides to adapt it for the boards at some point.
But lets get back to the film. Whereas most 'haunted house' films are set to large set pieces and furniture flying all over the place, people screaming and running from buildings that collapse. 'Soulmate' is pure character based storytelling, focusing on Audrey (Anna Walton) and her obsession with learning more about Talbot Cottage and its history.
Whilst the performance of the film pretty much sits on the shoulders of Anna Walton, the supporting cast also do a wonderful job with their roles.
The minimal cast of Tom Wisdom (300, The Boat That Rocked), Tanya Myers (Oranges and Sunshine, Control) and Nick Brimble (Robin Hood:Prince of Thieves, 7Lives), and Anubis the dog in her feature film debut all propelling the story towards its conclusion.
Whilst I don't like to focus on gender, it is worth noting (isnt it?) that its fantastic and very well earned to see so many main roles in this film occupied by women. Writer/Director, Cinematographer, Art Direction, Costume designer, Make up department, and many many more.
Would the film have been different had it been male orientated? (different perhaps, better, I highly doubt it) Who knows. But I know that Soulmate is a fantastic project, with the perfect casting, from a great story, wonderfully acted and put together. It doesn't need action set pieces, it doesn't need buckets of gore or jump scares, and doesn't need a third act set of craziness. Things that so often fill creepy films nowadays.
For those who love creepy house movies, perhaps you are a Hammer film fan. Did you love The Others or The Woman In Black? But you know what. If you just love good films, with good stories. Then you need to check out Soulmate which is out on DVD on August 11th 2014. Or perhaps you love the classic films. I was reminded to a certain extent of a film that came out in the 40s, but I didn't see until the late 80s. That film. The Ghost and Mrs Muir where the story also wasn't a poltergeist movie but was in fact a film about people (and spirits). If you haven't seen The Ghost and Mrs Muir. Track it down.
Its also worth noting that on the Soulmate DVD there are some great special features including interviews with some of the people behind the film (Axelle Carolyn, Neil Marshall and Anna Walton)