Stalker (FrightFest) Review

4 star tense and claustrophobic horror/thriller.

Stalker is a 2022 British horror film written by Chris Watt (The Mire) and directed by Steve Johnson (Convergence). It enjoyed a world premiere at FrightFest on 28th August 2022 and will be available to buy on DVD and Digital from 10th October 2022 courtesy of Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment.

“An asthmatic and a claustrophobic, wow. Now all we need is a xenophobe and we’ve got the makes of a real party.”

Rose Hepburn (Sophie Skelton – Outlander, 211) is a young actress, heading back to her less than desirable three star hotel after a long day of shooting. Exhausted and with lots of lines to learn for the following day, she decides to take the lift up to her floor.

Just as the doors close, a hand appears to stop them and in walks a young stranger (Stuart Brennan – Risen, Plan B). There’s an awkward exchange and then the usual weird lift silence that always ensues. It soon gets worse however, when the aging and poorly maintained lift suddenly grinds to a halt.

As the two are forced to work together to try and solve the situation, it soon becomes apparent that this young man may have sinister intentions. His name is Daniel Reed and he is a B-roll camera operator who seems to have an unhealthy obsession with Rose, as well as too much knowledge about the disappearance of her predecessor. How much danger does Rose face trapped in this lift?

“Not quite the hero we need right now, are you?”

Stalker is a very clever film, creating massive amounts of tension from almost nothing. With only two people on screen (with the exception of a flashback with the director Grant (Bret Hart – WWE Smackdown!) it is a huge ask for the actors and they both delivered admirably.

It’s also ingenious how the camera is used, claustrophobic at first then panning out as they become more comfortable with the situation, then coming in for extreme close ups as things escalate, an excellent use of the available space.

With a number of curve balls and unexpected twists, this is a really good film and one to watch out for when it becomes available to buy.

“A crew member with a grudge is one thing, but the catering department tend to draw the line at felonies.”

Stalker will be available to buy on DVD and Digital from 10th October 2022.