Watch Crucible of the Vampire

Crucible of the Vampire is a 2019 British supernatural horror movie directed by Iain Ross-McNamee. The movie stars Katie Goldfinch, Neil Morrissey, and Larry Rew in key roles. The movie revolves around Isabelle (Katie Goldfinch), a young museum curator who is newly appointed to take care of a large, isolated country estate museum that belongs to her late uncle. She starts to encounter strange and supernatural occurrences that leave her confused and bewildered. She starts to have nightmares and visions of some kind of ritual, which she cannot understand. She starts to wonder if the old myths and legends surrounding the estate might be real after all.

Isabelle's only ally is her boss and mentor, Dr. Graham (Neil Morrissey), who tries his best to help her understand the strange forces at work. As she delves deeper into the estate's past, she discovers that it has a rich and mysterious history, including that of an ancient stone circle that she finds in the woods nearby. However, the more she learns about the history of the estate, the more she becomes entangled in a terrifying occult ritual that threatens to destroy everything she holds dear.

The movie is a slow-burn horror that relies more on atmosphere and tension than on jump-scares and gore. The theme of the occult is well-handled, and the movie takes its time to establish a sense of foreboding and unease. The cinematography is excellent, with a lot of attention paid to the haunting beauty of the estate and the surrounding countryside. There are plenty of creepy moments that are sure to send chills down the viewers' spines.

The performances are solid, with Katie Goldfinch giving a commendable performance as the beleaguered Isabelle. Neil Morrissey plays Dr. Graham with a sense of quiet unease that makes the character intriguing. Larry Rew is good as the enigmatic Mr. Hanning, who seems to be the key to unlocking the mysteries of the ancient stone circle. The supporting cast acquits themselves well, though mostly in small roles.

The movie's biggest strength is its well-crafted sense of atmosphere. Director Iain Ross-McNamee does a great job of maintaining a sense of unease throughout the movie, never letting the viewer get too comfortable. The movie's rural setting, with its bleak winter landscapes and isolated countryside, adds to the overall sense of claustrophobia and tension.

One of the few flaws of the movie is that it does take a little too long to get going. The slow-burn approach works well, but it does mean that the movie's pacing can be a bit frustrating at times, especially for viewers who are expecting a more action-packed horror movie. However, for viewers who enjoy a more unsettling and atmospheric horror experience, the pacing will not be an issue.

Overall, Crucible of the Vampire is a well-crafted horror movie that should appeal to fans of slow-burn supernatural horror. The movie's strong sense of atmosphere and excellent cinematography make it a must-watch for horror fans who enjoy a more subtle and understated approach to the genre. While it may not be the most action-packed horror movie out there, it is certainly one of the most haunting and unsettling.

Crucible of the Vampire is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 96 hours. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.8.