The Canal

The Canal is a 2014 horror/mystery film directed by Ivan Kavanagh and starring Rupert Evans, Antonia Campbell-Hughes, and Hannah Hoekstra. The film follows the story of David (Rupert Evans), a film archivist who is trying to unravel the mystery behind his wife's murder after discovering a sinister connection between his home and a century-old murder case.

The movie begins with David and his wife Alice (Antonia Campbell-Hughes) moving into a new home with their young son Billy. David works at a film archive where he spends hours looking at horrific footage of murders, which has a significant impact on his mental state. Alice, on the other hand, is supportive of her husband but also skeptical of his fixation on the dark footage.

One day, Alice goes missing, and David finds her body in the canal outside their home. The police suspect David of her murder, but he insists that he saw a mysterious figure lurking around their home before her disappearance. Despite the lack of any real evidence, David becomes obsessed with solving the mystery of his wife's murder, and his obsession leads him to uncover a connection between his home and a 100-year-old murder case involving a man who killed his entire family and dumped their bodies into the canal.

As the investigation progresses, David becomes increasingly unhinged, and the line between reality and hallucination begins to blur. He starts seeing apparitions of his dead wife and the murderer from the old case, which adds to his confusion and makes him question his sanity. His obsession with the case takes a toll on his relationship with his son, who is terrified of his father's behavior.

The Canal is an intense and terrifying film that builds up the suspense gradually. The story is gripping, and the acting is exceptional, especially Rupert Evans, who portrays the character of David with great depth and conviction. Director Ivan Kavanagh infuses the film with a sense of claustrophobia and dread, which is enhanced by the dark tones and colors used in the film.

The Canal is not just a horror film, but it is also a psychological thriller that delves into the themes of guilt, grief, and obsession. The film explores the concept of how one's past can come back to haunt them, and how one's inner demons can be more terrifying than any external threat.

In conclusion, The Canal is a must-watch for horror/mystery film buffs, and it is a film that will leave you on the edge of your seat. The twists and turns in the film will keep you guessing until the end, and the superb acting and direction will leave a lasting impression on you.