Irish Horror Films Available on Netflix for Halloween
Posted: 31st October 2018
Just in time for Halloween, three Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland-supported horror films are available to stream on Netflix, including Brian O’Malley’s The Lodgers (2017), Dennis Bartok’s Nails (2017), and David Keating’s Wake Wood (2011).
The Lodgers
Set in 1920s rural Ireland, the film follows twin brother and sister Rachel and Edward who share a strange existence in their crumbling family estate. Each night, the property becomes the domain of a sinister presence which enforces three rules upon the twins: they must be in bed by midnight; they may not permit an outsider past the threshold; if one attempts to escape, the life of the other is placed in jeopardy.
When troubled war veteran Sean returns to the nearby village, he is immediately drawn to the mysterious Rachel, who in turn begins to break the rules set out by The Lodgers. The consequences pull Rachel into a deadly confrontation with her brother - and with the curse that haunts them.
The film was written by David Turpin, directed by Brian O'Malley, and produced by Ruth Treacy and Julianne Forde of Tailored Films. Macdara Kelleher as executive producer.
Nails
Nails is an Irish co-production that tells the story of a paralysed woman who struggles to regain her life when she encounters a malevolent ghost in her hospital room.
Dana Milgrom is a track coach, who having survived a near-death car accident, finds herself completely paralysed and trapped inside her own body. While recovering, she becomes convinced that some evil presence exists inside her hospital room and is intent on killing her. No one believes her — not even her own family, who think she is experiencing a mental breakdown.
However, Dana soon realises she may not be the only target. As the hauntings become more disturbing and violent Dana's life is increasingly at risk — as well as the person she cares most about: her teenage daughter, Gemma. The title is produced by Brendan McCarthy and John McDonnell of Fantastic Films.
Wake Wood
Starring Timothy Spall, Aidan Gillen and Eva Birthistle, Wake Wood is directed by David Keating. The film follows the parents of a girl who was killed by a savage dog as they are granted the opportunity to spend three days with their deceased daughter. The film is produced by John McDonnell and Brendan McCarthy for Fantastic Films, alongside Magnus Paulsson’s of Hammer Films Productions.