A Harrowing Honeymoon: A Movie Review

*full disclosure: a DVD screener of this film was provided by Magnolia Home Entertainment.

**there are spoilers here.

Director: Leigh Janiak.

Writers: Phil Graziadei and Leigh Janiak.

Cast: Rose Leslie, Harry Treadaway and Ben Huber.

Honeymoon is a small indie horror film from first time director Leigh Janiak and scriptwriter Phil Graziadei. Together, these two filmmakers have created a mysterious thriller, set in a lakeside cabin. Who is Bea (Rose Leslie)? This is a question that is central to the film. The answer must be found by the viewer, initially as the film effectively delivers a tale of suspense. Minimizing the horror elements, Honeymoon is a well acted and a character focused title, that delivers believable interaction and conflicts.

Bea and Paul (Harry Treadaway) are recently married. They make silly marriage videos and they are overly affectionate with each other. Soon, they reach their honeymoon location and it is here where strange events begin to occur. Lights appear in the woods and Bea is drawn to them, like a moth to a flame. Later, Bea begins to act in a bizarre manner. She forgets how to make breakfast and speaks in a different manner. Paul begins to believe that something happened to Bea in the woods. And, this might be the first case of extraterrestrial infidelity that this critic has seen.

A loving couple - but not for long.

Honeymoon is a character focused film endeavour. There are really only two characters in the film: Bea and Paul. Two minor characters are introduced in the first act, but they only appear in one scene. The rest of the movie is spent with Bea and Paul as they view each other, newly as wedding partners. In a character focused title, dialogue is used more than action. Much of the film is spent inside the cabin, with a focus on interaction. There are few action elements here, until late in the film. The focus on interactions keeps the film small. And, actors Rose Leslie and Harry Treadaway must carry the film's story.

Both actors provide compelling characterizations. Leslie is a trained actress, with a long history of studying in the arts. Leslie's portrayal of Bea is very well done. This actress will draw many viewers into the struggles of her character. Treadaway shows incredulity, well. His character, Paul, is tasked with wondering about Bea's sexual faithfulness to him. Articles of her clothing are found in the woods, covered in fluids. Paul must question and hound Bea about her sojourn into the dark. But, he does not find his answers in time. The effectiveness of the actor's delivery creates an immersive and believeable experience.

Honeymoon delivers an effective viewing experience by focusing on one question; who is Bea? Other minor questions will come up: is Bea unfaithful? is Bea showing her true crazy colours after the wedding? Centrally though, the film zeroes in on Bea and on how she is changing. The changes become more physical and less psychological as the film progresses. So, it becomes obvious that something is transforming Bea, but what? The film maintains its mystery and suspense by not revealing too much, too quickly. Instead, an external presence is shown subtly by appearing only off-screen. Then, a strange light haunts the cabin, which Bea is drawn to. Bea's interaction with another entity begins to show watchers that, indeed, Bea is transforming into something else.

Honeymoon is a consistently effective and entertaining indie release. This title has already been shown in a few select theatres, in late 2014. As well, the film has just been released on home video formats (Jan. 13th, 2015). Fans of mystery or of psychological thrillers are encouraged to pick this film up. This viewer watched the film twice and enjoyed the film both times. Most other viewers will find the material equally engrossing and exciting. Though, the film takes some time to find its footing; the film really gets going into the climax and into the final few scenes. Honeymoon is a character rich film with a few moments of real horror.

Overall: 7.25 out of 10 (great acting, smallish film, a few exterior shots, few characters).

A scene from Act II of the film is hosted here, in which Paul questions Bea's loyalty:

Honeymoon Clip on 28DLA

A fan page for the film is hosted here:

Honeymoon on Facebook


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