Sea Fever

Sailors have always been a superstitious bunch. Words like pig, fox and salt are avoided in conversation onboard. Whistling isn't allowed as it sounds like the wind. Seeing a priest before sailing is to be avoided as Catholic beliefs tend to clash with the pagan gods that supposedly rule the water below. Having an omelette or a poached egg for breakfast is frowned upon as is letting a red haired woman onboard. The last superstition is mentioned more than once in Nessa Hardiman's new Atlantic set chiller. Is there any merit in these beliefs though.......

Siobhan's (Hermione Corfield) a student studying for her doctorate in marine biology and in order to pass her course, has to spend time aboard a fishing boat studying their catch, looking for patterns that seem different to the norm. She's not a people person and the thought of being out at sea, trapped in a tin can with strangers doesn't appeal but needs must and soon she's onboard the Niamh Cinn Oir heading westward. Leading the voyage is grizzled captain Gerard (Dougray Scott) and his wife Freya (Connie Nielsen with a bizarre accent that I hope isn't Irish), Syrian refugee Omid (Ardalan Esmaili) as the engineer and a motley crew of others all out to make their quota. As they head further out into the Atlantic things start getting strange and the lack of sleep starts taking its toll.

Sea Fever is a film that wears it's influences proudly on it's sleeve. Alien, The Abyss, The Thing, Jaws, Dead Calm, are all films that will come to mind while you watch this but thankfully it takes these influences and swirls them into something that works a treat. Director Hardiman's second full length feature is a rare beast, an Irish horror film that eschews humour and instead goes full tilt for the scares. Even without what lurks beneath the water it's an unsettling prospect. Floating in the middle of an ocean that could wipe you out in the blink of an eye, in a cramped boat full of people you don't know from Adam. Who on earth would enjoy that? Then add in something peculiar attached to the hull and some graphic ocular trauma and you have a film that will be a nightmarish watch for some. A off boat visit that brings to mind the old tale of the Marie Celeste is a particularly chilling scene as is the kitchen scene setpiece that will test the stomachs of anyone viewing.

Neasa Hardiman's background in TV directing helps nail the scares. Clearly shot and easy to follow despite the cramped and dark locations. There's none of that all too often used shaky cam here. All the horror is up close and personal leaving us,like the crew, with no place to hide. Even the daytime shots of the boat, filmed from overhead will fill you with unease. All that space, and still nowhere to run too. It's a sign of horror done well when even the day shots scare you. What's also appreciated is a script that doesn't need to fill in all the blanks. For years we've been told that only 5% of the world's oceans are unexplored so who knows what's out there. There might even be something scarier than what we see here.

As events onboard the Niamh Cinn Oir build to a climax we see plans involving UV light and disinfectant, we sense an air of paranoia and hear talk of infection. All this and a lead character who'd rather be off social distancing by herself give Sea Fever an exceedingly topical feel. This, the lean 95 minute running time and a fine showing from an excellent cast are all reasons to recommend this new Irish horror movie. Some may moan about the low-key ending but for me it fit perfectly with what came before. A haunting ending to a scary tale.

Out now to rent/buy on volta, itunes and amazon. It's well worth your time.