By Mark Hockley
A slick, intelligent thriller with an excellent lead performance by Chelsea Clark. She is ably supported by Ryan McDonald and Kate Corbett as a murderous husband and wife duo. Corbett in particular is chilling with her unsettling portrayal of entitled craziness.
The story centres on Max (Clark), a biology student who takes the wrong road and becomes the target of super wealthy couple, Frank and Emily. Her companions are quickly dispatched and the situation is made all the worse by her diabetes and dependence on a dwindling insulin supply. Trapped in a remote house, Max must rely on her wits and will to survive.
Frank and Emily are harvesting organs to extend the lives of the ultra-rich. Their marital bickering gives them a darkly comedic edge, but even so, they remain a credible threat.
There’s plenty here to admire. Writer-director James Villeneuve crafts a taut, suspenseful narrative that escalates into a tense game of cat-and-mouse. Bob Lyte’s polished cinematography adds class and clarity.
It’s the acting that ultimately elevates the material. Chelsea Clark brings depth and conviction to her role, anchoring the story with a characterisation that feels both raw and believable.
Pins and Needles is a much better film than it would have been in less capable hands. Villeneuve deftly balances the visceral horror of Max’s situation with the casual cruelty of the psycho spouses.
At a time when so many movies suffer from weak writing, lazy direction or flat performances, this one feels like a genuine breath of fresh air.
Bloody Flicks 