By David Dent
A more interesting variant on the indie horror staple of having people walk around a large, empty facility in place of a story, John Pata’s first solo feature has a pair or urbex style photographers, Brook (Agnea Albright) and the deeply annoying Tanner (Andrew Bailes), seeking out old abandoned buildings in which to take edgy, atmospheric snaps: the former has just secured lucrative sponsorship from a prominent gallery for her work, so it’s important to get the good shit.
Ferried around by the trusty CJ (Caito Aase), who for safety reasons always comes back to collect them after their latest photo venture, Brook proposes a trip to their biggest find yet; a massive disused set of buildings previously used as a Government testing facility. Up to now the main challenges facing the pair have been poor air quality and a tendency for their imaginations to occasionally get the better of them.
But on breaking into the latest empty wreck, there’s something different. And it’s not just the mould in the air and the growing sense of unease generated by the place. A violent conspiracy theory addled squatter (Jeremy Holm) has taken up residence and isn’t keen on sharing the place with anyone else. Not only that, but the atmosphere of the place starts to interfere with the photographers’ perceptions, triggering in Brook deeply held memories of her father’s suicide and her associated guilt. And when CJ fails to return at the appointed time, things get really weird.
Despite the obligatory flashback prologue, Black Mold takes its time in building up tension, and avoids jump scares in place of a growing sense of disorientation. Don’t come to this movie for the adrenalin ride, as this is all about the performances; it’s pretty much a three hander. Pata’s movie isn’t doing anything particularly new but he’s good at creating an internal world where escape seems possible but ultimately futile.
Bloody Flicks 