Watch Harold's Going Stiff

Harold's Going Stiff is a horror-comedy film from 2011, directed by Keith Wright. The movie follows the story of Harold Gimble, a pensioner who is suffering from a bizarre and unusual illness that gradually turns him into a zombie-like creature. The audience is immersed in a small British town where unusual events start to happen, and the local authorities are covering up the truth.

The plot of the movie centers around Harold, who is a local celebrity because of his job as the village gardener. However, things take a turn for the worse when he starts exhibiting strange symptoms. He begins to lose his coordination and his movements become stiff and jerky. At first, his behavior is written off as part of the aging process, but as the story progresses, it becomes clear that there is something much more sinister at play.

As Harold's condition worsens, the town becomes more and more concerned. People start talking about a possible outbreak, and there are rumors of a local government conspiracy to cover up the truth. The police and other government officials are portrayed as incompetent and unable to handle the situation, leading to chaos and confusion throughout the town.

In the midst of all this, Harold develops an unlikely relationship with a care worker named Penny (played by Sarah Spencer). Despite his condition, Harold remains incredibly sweet and charming, and Penny forms a deep emotional connection with him. The relationship between Harold and Penny provides a heartwarming and poignant contrast to the otherwise grim and tense atmosphere of the film.

The film is a unique synthesis of humor and horror, combining classic zombie tropes with moments of absurd comedy. At times, the humor can be quite dark, which helps to heighten the tension and keep the audience on edge. Overall, the tone of the movie is one of dread and unease, but there are also moments of levity sprinkled throughout.

The acting in Harold's Going Stiff is strong, with Stan Rowe delivering a standout performance as Harold. He manages to convey a wide range of emotions despite the limitations of his character's illness, and his portrayal of Harold is both hilarious and deeply moving. Sarah Spencer also shines as Penny, bringing warmth and compassion to her role as the caregiver trying to help Harold through his illness.

One of the standout features of the movie is its use of practical effects. The zombie makeup is incredibly detailed, and the filmmakers do an excellent job of making the zombies look both frightening and unique. In addition, the cinematography is impressive, with the film's bleak and desolate setting adding to the overall sense of dread.

In conclusion, Harold's Going Stiff is a unique and enjoyable horror-comedy film. It manages to strike a balance between humor and horror, and the relationship between Harold and Penny provides a touching counterpoint to the film's darker themes. The acting, makeup, and cinematography are all strong, and the film's unique blend of genres makes it a must-see for fans of zombie films.

Harold's Going Stiff is a 2011 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.