Put yourself in a state of discomfort because Good Neighbours grabs the horror x sci-fi element quite well. Directed by Richard Anthony Dunford, this British thriller creates an atmosphere of sinister and overpowering dread and anxiety which makes it suitable for the viewers who like the 1hr 30min of build up and comes with a startling climax.
Cast Highlights:
- Karl Kennedy-Williams as Luke Ellery: A caring but increasingly suspicious husband.
- Dani Thompson as Mary: The enigmatic and unnervingly charming new neighbor.
- Judson Vaughan as Joseph: Mary’s unsettling counterpart, whose demeanor hides something darker.
- Caitlin Cameron as Suzie: A curious but naive friend, drawn too close to the chaos.
- Chrissie Wunna as Fern: A lively presence who begins to see through the cracks of their new guests.
Synopsis:
Tracing back to residing in a relatively peaceful village like neighborhood with his wife Tamesha, Luke has always appreciated what life he had. However, things start to take a turn once a new nuclear family consisting of Mary and Joseph move next door. Taking into consideration the fact that they were looking to greet their new neighbors, Luke and Tamesha seem to invite them over for dinner. Everyone is polite during the arrangement but adamantly formal too, that seems off putting, the new neighbors keep things too ‘friendly’ asking invasive questions after giving too ‘friendly’ smiles.
As the evening draws on, the whole dramatization that was played out decorates the walls on the eve. Joseph is overly curious and Mary is icy calm, the fears that Luke and Tamesha had done nothing at all to subside. The wine was generously poured out but now the whole new environment was binding around them which only left off when some walls did only to expose that their neighbors were way more than what they claimed to be. With every turning wall exposing them, what became the questions were, what were they selling, their whereabouts and more importantly how were they so aware of everything from the past of both Tamesha and Luke.
The tension has lifted but only to leave them in shock as dinner now turns into a fight and reality does more than what was expected to do. Games based on twists and deception corrupted the ELLERY family and forced them into the never ending nightmare. Along the dramatic change and plot twists revolved around, Good Neighbours stretches across a span encompassing paranoia, identity, and the essence of knowing the people around you.
Trailer Tease:
The trailer gives a sneak peak of its growing horror’s which includes a normal looking dining room around which furious candle lights are stationed, awkwardly cold silences in between gazes, and mere instances of passages of unreasonable events. While the terrifying music intensifies, the neighbors’ smiles become eerie, bolted doors, and the Ellerys are disturbed and confused. Is it a figment of their imagination? Or some deeper and darker evil has been planted in the house next to theirs?
Tone and Style:
Good Neighbours is full of unease and paranoia, reminiscent of Invitaion and Get Out films, however it’s complemented with a dystopian sci fi mystery which builds up to a thrilling conclusion. The film’s aesthetic is great with expansive camera work, confined locations, and haunting acting that will surely stay with you after the film.
