Watch Wake Wood

Wake Wood is a 2009 supernatural horror movie directed by David Keating and written by Keating and Brendan McCarthy. The film is set in the rural Irish village of Wakewood and centers around a grieving couple, Patrick and Louise Daly, who have recently lost their young daughter, Alice. Unable to come to terms with their loss, the pair soon find themselves drawn into the town's dark and mysterious past, where they stumble upon a pagan ritual that promises to bring their daughter back to life for three days.

The movie begins with Patrick (Aidan Gillen) and Louise (Eva Birthistle) grieving over the loss of their daughter Alice. They move to the small town of Wakewood to start a new life, but they are still unable to let go of their loss. They soon realize that Wakewood is a town that's shrouded in mystery and superstition, where ancient pagan beliefs are still alive and well. They get introduced to the town physician, Arthur (Timothy Spall), who seems to know more about the town's secrets than anyone else.

As they settle into their new home, Patrick and Louise start noticing strange things happening around them. They receive a strange invitation to a pagan festival, where they witness a mysterious ritual. Soon after, they learn about a pagan ceremony that can bring someone back from the dead, but only for three days. The ritual requires a blood sacrifice and the participation of the deceased person's loved ones.

Desperate to be reunited with their daughter, the couple agrees to the terms of the ritual, but soon discover that their bargain comes with an unexpected and terrifying price. As the truth about the town's bloody history is revealed, Patrick and Louise must face the frightening consequences of their decision and decide if they are willing to pay the ultimate price to keep their beloved daughter with them.

The film is hauntingly atmospheric and shot beautifully, with elegantly framed images and a muted, desaturated color palette. The performances from the lead actors are strong, particularly Aidan Gillen's nuanced portrayal of a man who is desperate to undo the crushing loss of his daughter. Eva Birthistle's performance is also notable, as she captures the desperation and despair of a woman who is willing to do whatever it takes to bring her daughter back. Timothy Spall is perfect as the mysterious town physician, exuding an aura of menace and otherworldly knowledge.

The movie offers an intriguing spin on the usual tropes of supernatural horror, particularly in its depiction of the pagan beliefs and rituals that underpin the story. The film is more interested in exploring themes of grief, loss, and the lengths people will go to in order to escape from the reality of their pain. The central premise of the film raises challenging ethical questions about the morality of bringing the dead back to life and the lengths someone will go to protect the ones they love.

The film's pacing is expertly handled, with a slow and steady build-up that gradually ramps up the tension and unease. The movie never relies on cheap scares or gore to frighten the audience, instead relying on a pervasive sense of dread that permeates the entire story. The sound design is particularly effective, with an unsettling score that heightens the movie's eerie atmosphere.

Overall, Wake Wood is a compelling and hauntingly atmospheric horror movie that explores complex themes with intelligence and nuance. The film boasts strong performances, effective direction, and a captivating storyline that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end. It's a movie that will linger in the mind long after it's finished and is recommended for horror fans looking for something a little different.

Wake Wood is a 2009 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.