Subscribe
Share
Share
Embed
The members voted and for September 2021, they selected Natalie Erika James’ 2020 horror film ‘Relic’ as our member bonus episode. This is now the seventh film in our Horror Debuts series. Check out the film and tune in!
Show Notes
"It’s here. Under the bed.”
Relic delivers on the haunted house tropes.
There’s a tone and mood that often permeates horror films that give you a constant sense of dread and terror. Sometimes, it’s broken up with laughs or jump scares, but that’s clearly not what director/co-writer Natalie Erika James is looking for. Her debut film Relic generates this sense of dread and terror but maintains it throughout in a quiet way that for some keeps them on the edges of their seats but for others leaves them feeling bored. Which are we? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we add to our Horror Debuts series this member bonus episode, James’ 2020 film Relic.
Relic is a quiet but moody metaphorical horror film.
There are shadowy spirits lurking in the corners of Edna’s house, but are they really there? The way James constructs the film creates wonderful tension as we just catch glimpses of something in the shadows. It’s really a blink-and-you-miss-it type of treat because they’re not highlighted by musical stings that hit you over the head. We love the way she builds tension through these techniques, and how she uses her location to great effect.
The cast is wonderful as well. Emily Mortimer, Robyn Nevin and Bella Heathcote play the three generations of this family and as the story progresses, we are right there with mother and daughter as they try to sort out what’s wrong with Gram. Their performances become more affecting as the story reveals itself to be about the family struggle with Alzheimer’s. It’s a powerful metaphor handled well and works because of the power in the three lead performances.
Relic is a quiet horror film but one that works exceptionally well for us. It’s likely not for everyone, particularly people who are looking for those jump scares in their horror, but we had a great time watching it and talking about it. Check it out then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!
Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!
Film Sundries
- Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatch
- Theatrical trailer
- Poster artwork
- Flickchart
- Letterboxd
- Get your Relic T-Shirt!
Creators and Guests
Host
Andy Nelson
With over 25 years of experience in film, television, and commercial production, Andy has cultivated an enduring passion for storytelling in all its forms. His enthusiasm for the craft began in his youth when he and his friends started making their own movies in grade school. After studying film at the University of Colorado Boulder, Andy wrote, directed, and produced several short films while also producing indie features like Netherbeast Incorporated and Ambush at Dark Canyon. Andy has been on the production team for award-winning documentaries such as The Imposter and The Joe Show, as well as TV shows like Investigation Discovery’s Deadly Dentists and Nat Geo’s Inside the Hunt for the Boston Bombers. Over a decade ago, he started podcasting with Pete and immediately embraced the medium. Now, as a partner at TruStory FM, Andy looks forward to more storytelling through their wide variety of shows. Throughout his career, Andy has passed on his knowledge by teaching young minds the crafts of screenwriting, producing, editing, and podcasting. Outside of work, Andy is a family man who enjoys a good martini, a cold beer, a nice cup o’ joe. And always, of course, a great movie.
What is The Next Reel Film Podcast?
A show about movies and how they connect.
We love movies. We’ve been talking about them, one movie a week, since 2011. It’s a lot of movies, that’s true, but we’re passionate about origins and performance, directors and actors, themes and genres, and so much more. So join the community, and let’s hear about your favorite movies, too.
When the movie ends, our conversation begins.