Haunting of The Queen Mary movie review (2023)
Director Garey Shore presents a cinematically captivating tale that weaves together the eerie reputation of a ghost-infested ship with a chilling historical account from the 1930s. In this British horror film, the visuals are nothing short of mesmerizing, immersing the audience in a world shrouded in darkness and mystery. The story takes us back to 1938, when the fortune teller Gwen Ratch (Nell Hudson), her husband David Ratch (Wil Coban), and their daughter set sail on The Queen Mary for a Halloween voyage. However, what begins as an innocent trip turns into a sinister and gruesomely violent ordeal.
Fast forward to the present day, where we meet another family, photographers Anne Calder (Alice Eve) and Patrick Calder (Joel Fry), along with their son Lucas (Lenny Rush), who find themselves aboard the same ill-fated ship. A series of equally macabre events unfold, compelling the couple to delve deeper into the ship’s history of hidden blood-soaked secrets.
While the concept of shifting between the past and the present is not groundbreaking, the film excels in recreating the bygone era with astonishing attention to detail. The costumes, makeup, and art direction impeccably capture the essence of the 1930s. However, the rapid transitions between timelines can be disorienting and hamper the overall narrative flow.
While the historical segments exude a genuine sense of eeriness, the modern-day storyline leans heavily on jump scares and graphic violence. The narrative also incorporates psychological elements, which effectively amplify the tension. A special mention goes to the skillful use of music, ranging from jazz to tap dance, and notably Tiffany Ashton’s hauntingly enchanting melody, “It Had to Be You,” which provides a fitting conclusion to the movie.
Nell Hudson and Wil Coban deliver commendable performances as the haunted couple from the past, with Coban’s acting prowess shining through even when his face is concealed by a mask. Alice Eve and Joel Fry also impress with their powerful portrayals, though more substantial character development would have enhanced their impact. Lenny Rush stands out, showcasing his talent as well. Noteworthy performances also come from Jim Piddock as Captain Carradine and Angus Wright as the arrogant Victor.
While “The Queen Mary” draws upon the ship’s notorious haunted history and excels as a period drama, it falls short in the storytelling department, which could have matched the intrigue of the vessel’s storied past. Nevertheless, viewers are in for a visual feast and an immersive atmosphere that captures the ship’s mystique.
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