By Mark Hockley
Based on the novel, The Breakdown by B A Harris, this would-be thriller has been retitled the more sinister-sounding Blackwater Lane.
The story follows Cass, played by Minka Kelly, who lives with her husband in a grand old house in the English countryside.
A murder occurs nearby (on the titular Blackwater Lane no less) and Cass, who is a potential witness to the crime, begins to experience all manner of strange occurrences.
Blackwater Lane is not a good film. While it is competently shot and has a professional, polished veneer, beneath that slick surface, it is a silly, implausible, at times ridiculous tale, that becomes increasingly tiresome as we plod towards a shockingly predictable conclusion.
Little credit can be given to the actors, despite featuring recognisable names such as Dermot Mulroney and Maggie Grace (who does her best with an under-baked character).
Worse though, is Minka Kelly as our heroine, Cass, all jitters and tearful trauma, who never convinces in a poorly written role.
I find it difficult to understand why films such as this are still being produced. This scenario has been filmed countless times before, including the classic Gaslight, but there is no originality here to justify yet another variation.
I wish I could find something vaguely positive to say about Blackwater Lane, but there are no redeeming qualities. Well, actually the title isn’t too bad. It’s just a shame about the film itself.
Blackwater Lane arrives on digital platforms from 27 January 2025.
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