‘Eight for Silver’ Blu-ray Review
Stars: Boyd Holbrook, Kelly Reilly, Alistair Petrie, Roxane Duran, Nigel Betts, Simon Kunz, Stuart Bowman, Amelia Crouch, Max Mackintosh, Tommy Rodger, Mine Rose Daly, Millie Kiss | Written and Directed by Sean Ellis
Eight for Silver is a horror movie that was originally released in 2021 under the title The Cursed. Directed by Sean Ellis, it stars Boyd Holbrook, Kelly Reilly, and Alistair Petrie and takes place in the late 19th century, centring around a small village in France where a series of brutal murders have taken place. The locals are convinced that a pack of wolves is responsible for the killings, but a British pathologist, John McBride (Holbrook), arrives to investigate and discovers that something far more sinister is at play.
One of the strengths of Eight for Silver is its visual style. The movie is shot in a dark, atmospheric manner that perfectly captures the eerie and foreboding mood of the story. The cinematography is excellent, with many shots showcasing the beautiful landscapes of the French countryside. The production design is also noteworthy, with the set pieces and costumes perfectly evoking the time period in which the film is set.
The acting in Eight for Silver is also top-notch. Boyd Holbrook does an excellent job as John McBride, the British pathologist who arrives in the village to investigate the murders. He brings a sense of gravitas to the role, and his character’s gradual realisation of the true nature of the threat is well-portrayed. Kelly Reilly, who plays McBride’s French love interest, also gives a strong performance, and her character’s tragic backstory adds emotional weight to the film. Alistair Petrie is also noteworthy as the wealthy landowner who has his own secrets to hide.
One of the movie’s weaknesses, however, is its pacing. The first half of the film is slow and methodical, which can be frustrating for viewers who are looking for a more fast-paced horror experience. The film takes its time setting up the mystery and establishing the characters, which is admirable, but it also means that the horror elements don’t kick in until later in the story. Once the horror elements do kick in, however, the movie becomes more engaging and thrilling.
Another weakness of the film is its reliance on cliches. The story follows a well-worn horror formula, with the protagonist investigating a string of murders that are initially blamed on a natural cause (in this case, wolves) but are eventually revealed to be the work of something far more supernatural. The film also relies heavily on jump scares, which can be effective but can also feel cheap and overused.
Overall, Eight for Silver is a well-made horror film with some strong performances and excellent production values. While the pacing can be slow at times, the movie’s visual style and atmosphere make it an engaging and atmospheric experience. The movie’s reliance on horror cliches may turn off some viewers, but for those who enjoy classic horror tropes, Eight for Silver is a solid entry in the genre.
Eight for Silver is out now on Blu-ray from Mediumrare.
