My Little Eye -- Special Edition [DVD] [2002]

Inspired by 'reality' fly on the wall television such as (and in particular) Big Brother, My Little Eye sees five young people brought together in a house in the middle of nowhere, alone but for the constant attention of CCTV broadcasting to the web throughout there stay. Their motivation for taking part in this internet show is simple, they will win $1million if they survive the six month stay without any of the contestants leaving. Fairly simple you might think? Well some people would die for fame and fortune...

In the edgy and at times disturbing My Little Eye a website called Reality Webcast persuades two young women and three young men to spend six months cut off from the civilisation in a remote and VERY creepy house in snow covered Nova Scotia. Inevitably faced with such constant contact and so little stimulation tempers begin to fray, sexual tension increases and the contestants are in turns flirtatious and irritating with each other. As the plot progresses and the cameras watch strange things begin to occur, which lead to more confrontation between contestants and a whole lot of skeletons emerging from several different closets. With various members of the group at loggerheads a stranger appears (on Alpine skis) adding another dynamic and variable element to the groups dynamics and with paranoia and intrigue on the increase the friction amongst the group threatens to blow the group apart with only a few days left before the competition ends. As strange occurrence precedes strange occurrence the five begin to question whether the internet company playing mind games by withholding food and heat, with them or whether they are all part of a more sinister and darker plot as cruel psychological tricks inevitably lead to violence.

The third feature of talented Welsh filmmaker Marc Evans (Resurrection Man), this intends to disturb from start to finish. However, I have to say although the first three quarters of the movie keep you on the edge of your seat the last quarter of the movie doesn't quite match its initial set-up. The threat and intrigue of hidden forces, possible enemies from within and secret outside agendas lead to a descent into your more stereotypical schlock horror fare and the pay off does not succeed in living up to its promise. Your enjoyment of this movie may also be tempered by the quality of the picture. Filmed on digital video with what was obviously a tight budget the picture has that blurred and sepia quality that Digital video often provides in comparison to traditional film stock. Personally I'm not a fan of digital video and much prefer watching movies in more natural colour, however it must also be recognised that digital video is a powerful medium that allows creative film makers to realise their visions and showcase their talent without having big budgets. To this end Director Marc Evans for the most part succeeds by making use of classic nerve-fraying suspense tactics in what is a fairly stylish, relatively original, dark and often thrilling movie. Its just a shame that as the bodies inevitably pile up toward the edge of the movie much of the earlier promise fails to be fully realised.

My Little Eye has more similarities to The Blair Witch Project than its filming methods. When that movie came out people were divided in two as to whether it was a major sleeper hit or a useless movie hiding behind inventive technique. The same argument is happening over My Little Eye. I loved the movie to bits, as much as anything else because it's deeply unsettling and relies far more on tension, the way the film is shot and tight, clever scripting to scare you slowly rather than desensitizing you by bombarding you with sick visual images like most horror thrillers today. In terms of the overall feel of this movie, it harkens back to classics like Halloween and Texas Chainsaw Massacre rather than pulling inspiration from newer movies, aside from the aforementioned Blair Witch Project. Bottom line is that provided you can get on board with the feel of the movie and the way it's made, you should find much to enjoy within the movie. However, the way the film looks and feels visually will turn many people off (quite literally in some cases, as the opening sequence may well give you the impression your copy is busted) as was the case with 28 Days Later. This is a much more inventive film than 28 Days Later though, and far more interesting in its implications. This too though is a point where people may find it difficult to take. This is not a feel-good film. In fact it's one of the bleakest and most nihilistic movies I've seen in a long time. I admire the creators for having the guts to make a movie that's this grim and eventually sickening in both its eventual conclusion and its overall feel, but it won't be for everyone. It pulls no punches, and particular sequences will turn audiences stomachs, and may result in people reaching for the remote out of sheer discomfort. Unfortunate then that this movie is so stand-offish and potentially inaccessible, as it's one of the few truly inventive movies I've seen in the last few years. Either way this movie will leave a lasting impression.

I find the other reviews on this page very surprising to say the least. After hearing Mark Kermode wax lyrical about this movie I thought I'd check it out and I believe it is the most terrifying movie in years. The score is simply superb and the unique way in which it was shot really has a raw shocking edge to it. Its very difficult to explain just why its so terrifying without blowing crucial plot twists, but its a horror movie that stays with you after you left the cinema or watched it on dvd. I thought about it for a fair few days later because if you are pretty internet literate, some of the plot points seem pretty plausible, plausible enough to be truly horrifying.

On second viewing it didn't lose its appeal. This is a movie that will be remembered over the years, and deserves every success. Astoundingly brilliant!