Umbrage

Umbrage is a horror film that was released in 2009, directed by Drew Cullingham. The story revolves around a young woman named Melanie (Rita Ramnani) who inherits her grandfather's house in the countryside. Melanie and her boyfriend, Tom (Jonnie Hurn), decide to move into the house, hoping for a fresh start. However, the tranquil and peaceful life that they had hoped to lead soon turns into a nightmare when they begin to encounter a malevolent presence on their property.

The film features Doug Bradley, who is best known for his role as Pinhead in the Hellraiser franchise. In Umbrage, Bradley portrays the character of Jacob, a mysterious old man who lives in the nearby woods. Bradley's performance in the film is one of the highlights, and he brings a sense of gravitas to the role.

The movie begins with Melanie and Tom arriving at the old house in the countryside. Initially, they are excited about the prospect of starting a new life there. However, as they begin to settle in, they realize that there is something strange about the place. They begin to hear strange noises at night, and Melanie starts having frightening dreams.

They soon discover that there is a presence on their property - a malevolent force that seems to have a particular interest in Melanie. The more they investigate, the more they realize that the presence has a strange connection to Melanie's grandfather, who committed suicide in the house many years ago.

As the film progresses, the tension builds, and Melanie and Tom find themselves fighting for their lives against an enigmatic entity with dark intentions. Jacob, the old man from the woods, also plays a significant role in the story, and his interactions with Melanie are particularly compelling.

One of the strengths of Umbrage is its use of atmosphere to create tension. The filmmakers make great use of the isolated country setting to create a sense of unease, and the eerie score by Nick Samuel adds to the film's unsettling mood. The cinematography is also noteworthy, with some striking visuals that help to build the film's ominous tone.

The performances from the cast are solid, with Doug Bradley being the standout. He brings a sense of otherworldly wisdom to his role, and his interactions with Melanie are some of the film's most memorable moments. Rita Ramnani and Jonnie Hurn also give good performances as the young couple trying to make a home for themselves in the midst of supernatural dread.

Overall, Umbrage is a solid horror film with a compelling story, strong performances, and effective scares. The film's use of setting and atmosphere is particularly impressive, and the story succeeds in building tension and suspense. While it may not reinvent the horror genre, it is a well-made film that will satisfy fans of supernatural horror.