Borley Rectory

Borley Rectory, directed by Ashley Thorpe in 2017, is an animated docudrama that delves into the bewildering legends associated with what has often been billed as "the most haunted house in England." The film stars Jonathan Rigby, Reece Shearsmith, and Annabel Bates in the lead roles. The essence of the film is captured in its unique blend of adaptations, re-enactments, and dramatised testimonies, intricately embroidered within enigmatic storytelling.

The movie begins with a glimpse of the historic site's inception, laying the foundation for its eerie reputation. Borley Rectory, situated in a quaint village in Essex, was erected in 1862 and housed multiple families before being destroyed in 1939. However, each of its inhabitants reported strange, inexplicable occurrences that drew the attention of media and paranormal investigators alike. The film gripingly engages with these recurring anomalies, documenting multiple eerie events without offering a clear-cut explanation, leaving the viewers to draw their own conclusions.

Jonathan Rigby portrays famed investigator Harry Price, whose noteworthy association with the Rectory helps to frame the central narrative. Rigby’s performance in encapsulating Price's enigmatic personality is nothing short of astonishing. Reece Shearsmith, known for his work in dark comedy and horror genres, brings to life the character of V.C Wall, a Daily Mirror journalist who initially breaks the story of the haunting to the public. Meanwhile, Annabel Bates lends her voice to the alleged phantom nun who has been a key element in many reported sightings. Together, these performances aid in creating an atmosphere of chilling suspense, seamlessly stitched within the historical context of the haunted abode.

Borley Rectory stands out for its exceptional use of different media techniques. Director Ashley Thorpe has chosen to use a blend of rotoscope and digital animation to imbue the scenes with a surreal, dream-like quality, in line with its spectral narrative. The noir-style images, drawn heavily from Victorian era postcard pictures, successfully invoke a strange sense of unease that further enhances the story.

The film's narration adds another layer of complexity to the narrative. The spoken accounts of former inhabitants, selected pieces from Harry Price's abundant notes and newspaper clippings, serve as significant story-markers, subtly connecting the dots of the seemingly disjointed storyline. Combined with fragments of interviews and dramatic reenactments, the narration becomes a vital tool in navigating the complex maze of events documented over the years.

Nevertheless, Borley Rectory is not a straightforward horror film. While it deftly plays with elements of suspense and fear, it further examines the human fascination with paranormal phenomena. It throws light on how profoundly mysteries and unresolved enigmas can imprint on the collective memory of a community. The movie consciously remains ambiguous about the nature of the haunting, moving beyond binary rationalizations of reality and fiction, thus encouraging viewers to question the nature of their belief systems.

In the end, it is not merely the unsettling tales and haunting visuals that linger but also the evocative undercurrent of the long-standing human quest for understanding the unknown. Borley Rectory strides forward as a captivating exploration of our morbid curiosity with the supernatural. Whether one is a skeptic or believer, the film's elaborate storytelling and rich visual narrative command attention and reflection.

From its unique animation to its immersive sound design and compelling performances, Borley Rectory serves as an unconventional and effective answer to the common notions of docu-drama and horror film. Its thorough research and homage to its sources make it a valuable resource for those interested in the Borley Rectory and its tales. Simultaneously, its engaging storyline and fascinating visual appeal make it a good watch for those who may not usually venture into the genre of docu-drama or paranormal documentaries. Above all, it is a tribute to the haunted house that continues to capture the imagination and linger in the halls of English folklore.