Screenwriter Sergio G. Sanchez makes his directorial debut with a chilling and devastating ghost story following a family on the run and in hiding. Sanchez is best known for writing The Orphanage (2007), and his first directorial effort shifts not too far from his most iconic work. It shares a similar aesthetic; a familiar eeriness. Jack (MacKay) is left to care for his three younger siblings after their mother passes (a secret they are forced to keep if they are to remain together), all whilst a malevolent presence lingers throughout their home. One could guess just by looking at Marrowbone manor that its walls are haunted. Jack is careful to ensure that every mirror in the house is completely concealed, and the attic has been mysterious bricked off to prevent anyone from ever entering. As Jack keeps their secretive unit together, he forms a romantic relationship with local librarian Allie (Taylor-Joy), who inches closer and closer to discovering the secret of Marrowbone.
Those who are familiar with The Orphanage will most definitely feel familiar ground being revisited in Sanchez's directorial debut. Undoubtably tied together both thematically and tonally, The Orphanage & The Secret of Marrowbone would make a fitting double bill. Sanchez orchestrates some genuinely chilling moments, although they are few and far between. First and foremost, the film is a family centred period drama. Sanchez takes the time to develop the relations between the siblings to ensure we connect with them, and their bond is built upon strongly from the get go, resulting in a tight-knit cast of characters we can root for. Those expecting a relentless ghost story will be disappointed, but as Sanchez shifts gears leading into the final act, the tension increases and a surprise shift in the narrative makes the slow burn build up throughout the first two acts entirely worth it. One of the films strengths is the subtlety in the details, and The Secret of Marrowbone is a tale guaranteed to become a different viewing experience second time round.
This is a promising directorial effort from Sanchez. Although it treads familiar ground from his past work, there is enough here to demonstrate him to be a skilful talent behind the camera. In equal parts chilling and devastating, The Secret of Marrowbone is a quietly underrated gem that is worth seeking out.
Those who are familiar with The Orphanage will most definitely feel familiar ground being revisited in Sanchez's directorial debut. Undoubtably tied together both thematically and tonally, The Orphanage & The Secret of Marrowbone would make a fitting double bill. Sanchez orchestrates some genuinely chilling moments, although they are few and far between. First and foremost, the film is a family centred period drama. Sanchez takes the time to develop the relations between the siblings to ensure we connect with them, and their bond is built upon strongly from the get go, resulting in a tight-knit cast of characters we can root for. Those expecting a relentless ghost story will be disappointed, but as Sanchez shifts gears leading into the final act, the tension increases and a surprise shift in the narrative makes the slow burn build up throughout the first two acts entirely worth it. One of the films strengths is the subtlety in the details, and The Secret of Marrowbone is a tale guaranteed to become a different viewing experience second time round.
This is a promising directorial effort from Sanchez. Although it treads familiar ground from his past work, there is enough here to demonstrate him to be a skilful talent behind the camera. In equal parts chilling and devastating, The Secret of Marrowbone is a quietly underrated gem that is worth seeking out.