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The Living and the Dead on DVD (2006)

The Living and the Dead cover art
Average rating: 44%
162010191720101033
2.0
from 217 members
 
Starring: Roger Lloyd-Pack, Leo Bill, Kate Fahy, Sarah Ball, Neil Conrich
Director: Simon Rumley
Studio: DNC
Run time: 83 mins
Certificate: 15
Genres: Horror
Languages: English
Released: 19/05/2008

Brief synopsis of The Living and the Dead

A furiously original meld of madness and pathos, The Living And The Dead is family dysfunction at its most shocking and grotesque. With bankruptcy looming, desperate Donald Brocklebank (Roger Lloyd Pack, Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire) must leave his bedridden wife alone with their son James - a schizophrenic man-child. In a horrific fit of dementia James abandons his medication, locks the doors, and plays nurse. As his ability to distinguish morbid fantasy from reality decays, he plunges into a mental labyrinth so violent and deranged none of them may survive it.

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Critics Reviews

Rating of 3 stars out of 5 Joshua Rothkopf, Time Out

A refined, atmospheric chiller much like a Hammer psychodrama is about to slip through the cracks at Two Boots.... Read more on www.timeout.com

Members Reviews

Reviews Voted Most Helpful

Rated - 5 starsAmazing

A customer from Birmingham, England , 26/06/2008

This is a horror but not in the true sense of the word. It's a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a person suffering from schizophrenia. The effect it has on his family is devastating and all of their lives go downhill. The basics of the story are that the father has to go away as he is bankrupt. A nurse is supposed to come and look after the bedridden wife but she never gets into the house as the son locks all the doors and windows. He then takes it upon himself to try and look after his mum but it soon becomes apparent that he can't do it and all kinds of chaos ensues. There are some amazingly freakly scenes, especially when James is walking through the house and the vastness of the house gives it all a creepy feel. If you are expecting blood and gore as the title might suggest, look elsewhere. If you want a well written, acted and directed little film to make you uncomfortable, this is the one.

  4 out of 4 people found this review helpful
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Rated - 4 starsIm the man of the house

busy from st annes , 03/08/2008

superb acting and genuinely disturbing glimpse into mental health problems - dark, gripping and well directed - recommended

  1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
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Rated - 4 starsVery good but depressing

emmak emmak from Chelmsford , 16/10/2008

This is a superb, if somewhat depressing film showing the downward spiral of mental illness. This was made to provoke many emotions; anger, fear, disgust and definitely sympathy.

I wouldn't call this a horror film exactly, though it is definitely horrific. The only reason I have not given it five stars is because of a slightly confusing plot near the end of the film which I'm not sure was completely necesary (though I'm sure they know better!) and it's also very short. It's definitely worth a watch, if you can stomach it.

  1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
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Most Recent Reviews

Rated - 4 starsIm the man of the house

busy from st annes , 03/08/2008

superb acting and genuinely disturbing glimpse into mental health problems - dark, gripping and well directed - recommended

  1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
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