The Power (2021) by Corinna Faith

Director: Corinna Faith

Year: 2021

Country: United Kingdom/USA

Alternate Titles: N/A

Genre: Ghosts

Plot:

Working in a hospital in 1973 London, a young nurse is assigned to work in the basement of the building which is rumored to be haunted, and the longer she stays there the more she comes to believe those in charge are responsible for the ghost inhabiting the area looking for revenge.

Review:

There was a lot to like about this one. One of the main aspects of the film is the rather impressive setup which serves the film to provide a great overall atmosphere. With the real-world background offering a setup for what to expect later on in regards to the power going out at night, the tension involving her position within the order as well and the building personal and professional animosity that erupts between them, this one provides a pretty intriguing setup that has a lot to like. None of it is wholly original, yet due to the competence displayed here during this section as well as the gloomy feel of the building, this one gets quite a strong start.

That atmosphere is another favorable factor where the outright eeriness featured here is impeccable for the most part. Seeing the darkened hallways, endless corridors, and background information given, it’s no surprise this is a location that appears haunted from the get-go as the backouts force the issue even further. Given her seemingly obvious fear of the dark, or the very least the general unease around the hospital, from her reactions when the lights go out, there’s quite an impressive feel on display from the building. The constant shots of people crossing the various aspects of the building in blackness holding a dim lantern is quite eerie and chilling.

Using all of this atmosphere, the second half offers up some wholly impressive ghostly interactions with her. Playing off the usual factors of something whispering in the distance or objects crashing in the distance as a setup, the interactions start out with manipulating clothing or moving in the background before getting to the possession sequence that kicks this one into high gear as her unnatural behavior, malicious actions, and untrustworthy state creates a lot to like. As the action becomes much more kinetic and brutal which sets up a wholly impressive finale featuring the physical interactions and revelations brought forth, it all gives the film quite a lot to enjoy about it.

There are some issues featured here. Among the biggest problematic factors here is that the lack of traditional payoffs to the suspenseful build-ups might make for a dull time here getting tons of opportunities to do something without going for the scare. This relies on suspense without being scary, especially in the first half, and the ghosts’ motive towards the staff and patients which isn’t conducive for some fans. Others won’t be that impressive with a lot of the bland and cliche interpersonal relationships depicted, from how the staff treats her to the treatment by the staff which does nothing for the film and feels highly cliched at points. However, none of these are truly detrimental or damaging.

Overview: ****/5

Filled with great atmosphere, tons of suspense, and a fun finale, this one comes off really well as the few drawbacks on display don’t damage this one too much as a result. Give this a look if you’re a fan of this kind of effort, appreciate ghost movies in general, or are curious about it due to the reputation while most others who aren’t into that should heed caution.