Viewed – 29 September 2017  Online-rental

Lockhart, a somewhat over-worked executive (Dane DeHaan) is given the task to travel to Switzerland to locate an illusive CEO of the company he works for, which is facing financial problems.  However on arrival at a hospital where the wealthy go for ‘the cure’ Lockhart begins to suspect something dark and sinister is afoot. 

It’s not hard to gleam Shutter Island vibes from this, what with the lead’s more than passing resemblance to a somewhat younger Leonardo DiCaprio and a setting of a creepy, isolated sanatorium with stories of a violent history.  Add to this a lead doctor (Jason Isaacs) who may or may not be up to no good, and I was half expecting Lockhart’s dead wife to turn up.  Gore Verbinski however is a good enough director to take such inspiration and lavish it with his own distinct style, albeit with a reliance on animal imagery he used so well in the Ring remake (yup, Deers and Cows are officially symbols of impending doom).  Add to this often breath-taking cinematography and this is one eye-catching movie.

When the final twist reveals itself, it’s so blatantly sign-posted that it proves not all that surprising … but paves the way for a decidedly old-school, Hammer-horror inspired climax that works well.  However I was left questioning a few things that are not explained.

Dane DeHaan may not be the most interesting leading man but his look and performance suit the eerie, freaky mood.  It’s a tad over-long with a first act that drags and some of the more freaky moments confuse (the steam baths scene, the eels).  However it nails the setting and has an intriguing mystery, making this still worth your time.

Verdict:  3.5 /5