d./w./p. Richard Mundy; cast: Andrew Kinsler, Peter McCrohon
This terrific psychological horror/sci-fi feature about an
isolated man interacting with a creepy AI brings to mind the more unsettling
parts of 2001. In 2024, Roy is a lone technician managing a nuclear bunker in
readiness for the arrival of selected individuals when needed. His only
companion is Arthur, a computer that passes the Turing Test in its text screen
conversations (avoiding a cheesy voice was an excellent decision). When the balloon
goes up and no-one arrives before the doors lock, Roy finds himself trapped
with an apparently sentient Arthur and some unexplained events. Paranoia
understandably sets in: is he losing his mind, or not alone, or being manipulated by an electronic monster? Perhaps the whole ‘bunker’ scenario is fake and
he’s just some psychological lab rat. Kinsler delivers a blistering,
award-worthy solo performance, accentuated by great sets/locations (I recognised
the Gosport Submarine Museum!) and Nick Barker’s cracking photography. Shot
over three and a half years, this premiered at the BIFF in May 2016 under its
original title Twenty Twenty-Four. The new title has major relevance and
anyway, there are already two British horror films called The Bunker…