Watch Brackenmore

Brackenmore is a 2016 Irish film that follows the story of Kate, a young woman who returns to her hometown, Brackenmore, after her grandfather passes away. Kate is a physician and is eager to take over her grandfather's medical practice. She is excited to reconnect with her childhood best friend, Eamon, but things take a strange turn when she realizes that the town is not as she remembered it.

Brackenmore is a small, isolated town surrounded by ancient forests and filled with secrets. The film quickly sets up an eerie ambiance with its dark cinematography and eerie score. Kate soon learns that her grandfather's death may not have been as accidental as it seemed, and the townspeople are hiding something.

As Kate starts to investigate, she discovers that the town's traditions, beliefs, and customs are steeped in Irish folklore and pagan rituals. She uncovers an old legend that explains that every generation, a member of the O' Shea family must be sacrificed to appease the gods. Coincidentally, Kate is also an O'Shea, and her life is in danger.

Brackenmore is not your typical horror movie. While it has its fair share of jump scares, it is more of a slow-burning thriller that relies on building tension and suspense. The plot unfolds at a leisurely pace, and the film takes its time to fully immerse the audience in the strange and mysterious town.

Sophie Hopkins, who plays Kate, gives a convincing performance as a curious and determined protagonist. She is supported by an excellent cast that includes Elaine Kennedy, who plays Mary, a town's resident and Margaret O'Sullivan, who portrays Mrs. O'Shea, Kate's grandmother, and the only person who seems to know the town's horrific secrets.

The film is beautifully shot, with lush landscapes and eerie forests that highlight the town's isolation and the character's vulnerability. The folkloric elements are also well-executed, and the film incorporates traditional Irish music, folklore, and imagery to create an authentic horror experience.

One of the strengths of Brackenmore lies in its ability to subvert horror movie conventions. The film avoids clichés like cheap jump scares and excessive gore and instead relies on atmosphere and storytelling. It also avoids the typical trope of the strong, male hero and instead features a female protagonist who is intelligent and resourceful.

Overall, Brackenmore is an excellent thriller that combines slow-burning suspense with traditional Irish folklore to create a unique and immersive horror experience. It is a testament to the power of independent filmmaking and should be on any horror fan's must-watch list.

Brackenmore is a 2017 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 12 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.0.