Deathwatch (2002)
Directed by: Michael J. Bassett
Premise: A group of British soldiers are caught behind enemy lines during World War I and take refuge in an enemy trench. They begin to suspect that something supernatural is in the trench with them.
What Works: This is a very frightening movie that takes its time, which is refreshing. The interaction between the cast members is very good and each is characterized enough that they do not become the clichéd characters we’ve seen in other war films. This blending of the horror and war genres takes the best of both worlds. The theme of violence and war and how it corrupts everything around it works very well between the two genres.
What Doesn’t: At certain points the movie does lag about and we want to get on with things.
DVD extras: A few deleted scenes and two commentary tracks.
Bottom Line: There are lots of “war is hell” films, but few actually take us there. Deathwatch is not afraid to make us squirm, something a lot of contemporary horror has been avoiding. Recommended to fans of the war and horror genres but also those who are in the mood for something different.
Episode: #9 (July 11, 2004)