User reviews

The movie deals with an English soldiers group in First Great War ( 1914 to 1918 ).

Perhaps it happens in Verdun , Tannenberg or Marne battle , the film is set on the trenches from one of them . At the squadron appears an evil which murders one by one the members of the team.

It's an interesting movie , from the beginning until the end the frightening and scary action is unstoppable.

The flick has an eerie atmosphere , it is in gaudy color , enhanced by the mud of trenches and with lights and shades that originates a ghostly setting .

Set design is excellent , the movie is enough atmospheric , the dark sludge , the dirtiness and filthiness with the muddy trenches are very well designed .

Runtime is adjusted , approx. one hundred minutes , but is a little bit boring because of it occurs limited adventures . However it is a lot exciting , amazing and entertaining.

In the film there are suspense , horror, drama , tension , shootouts , frenetic action and a little bit of gore.

Everybody actors are pretty well but specially there stands out Jamie Bell , Andy Serkis ( Gollun in The Lord of the rings ) , Hugo Speer and Mathew Rhys .

The movie will appeal to the suspense , terror buffs and emotion lovers.

Rating 6,5/10 . Good and well worth watching .

Another in the recent wave of War-Horror movies like Dog Soldiers and The Bunker, this one actually has a couple of stand out moments. I don't want to spoil anything for anyone, but there are some interesting moments with barbed wire. The acting was good overall, with most of the actors showing some nice restraint. Typically, you give an actor a period military uniform, a gun, and some exclamation points in the dialogue and you have a recipe for disaster. Points go to the director for keeping a lid on the overly dramatic yelling and screaming. Still, the pacing can be a little tedious at times, and tends to get a little repetitious. Succeeds where The Bunker fell down in that it actually delivers some chills and delivers an ending that isn't too reminiscent of a Twilight Zone episode. 6 out of 10.

I cannot say I ever saw a horror movie set in a WWI trench and I am not sure one has existed until this one. Or is this actually a horror movie or something else? Anyway the movie is rather predictable and cliche ridden. All around competent acting and directing saves it from being a disaster.

During the horror of world war II, a few survivors of an English regiment, trapped behind enemy lines take refuge in a deserted German trench. When no help arrives, they begin to suffer mysterious and gruesome fates at the hands of something more terrifying than the war itself.

I found this film to be very enjoyable, it has a wonderfully creepy and suspenseful atmosphere, and the setting for the movie is perfectly dark and mysterious to heighten the plot.

Deathwatch is solidly directed and well cast and is a very different take on the horror genre as a whole that is refreshing to see.

7/10

The year is 1917 and a small band of British troops happen upon a German trench. Very few people are alive in this trench and it looks as if something wicked has gone on there. Eventually, the British troops find out that there is an evil presence in the trench, but will they be able to escape it?

The set design and atmosphere in "Deathwatch" was primo. It was rainy, muddy, cold, and you can tell that the entire trench was a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. The actors put in strong performances which were on par with the set design. They exuded angst, desperation, confusion, and fear. The plot, however, wasn't as compelling as everything else. I almost feel like the set and the performances were wasted on this piece.

"Death Watch" walks a very fine line while taking itself far too seriously, especially considering the bleak backdrop of WWI under which the movie is set. I watched this film sheerly under the recommendation of its horror-military genre connection to "Dog Soldiers". With that said, if you are looking for something like "Dog Soldiers", please do not watch this movie. They are too very different animals.

Which isn't to say "Death Watch" is bad purely on the grounds that it is not "Dog Soldiers". "Death Watch" is a very taunt and atmospheric movie, and the surreal and gritty layout of the text make us fear attack from any direction.

The film follows a group of British soldiers who capture a German trench and then attempt to hold the trench in the wake of not only an incompetent officer, but also a series of inexplicably strange events that push all involved to the edge of sanity. Soon, a rookie soldier, nick-named Shakespeare, begins to wonder if his squad is being driven insane by isolation and shell-shock, or something far more sinister.

Every man in Y-Company seems to have some sort of defining flaw. Shakespeare's flaw seems to be his cowardice. But instead of endearing this character to our own insecurities, the filmmakers only succeed in push Shakespeare away from us with his perpetual whininess. No one else is given as much due as Shakespeare. Other characters live and die in a heartbeat, without too much grief, but Shakespeare seems to be set up to be the emotional weight of the story, which the script ironically seems downright afraid to achieve.

As mentioned above, the movie walks a very fine line. It takes itself at times far too seriously, with no real breaks in between for relief and only little more for laughter. Soon, the bloody plights of the soldiers are played for cheap thrills, and the end result feels more than a little shoddy for exploiting the horror of World War One for such aims.

The mystery of the trench never lets up, even after the final shot. You leave the movie with an idea of what happened, but like most things in this movie, very little else. This isn't to say the movie isn't worth seeing - its scary and very moody, and a far cry from generic Hollywood horror. But by the same merit, this movie isn't something to go out of your war for. Despite all this movie has to offer, between atmosphere and suspense, there's no real payback in sight, at least on the Western Front.

During the I World War a group of English soldiers capture an enemy German dugout, while taking one of the opposing forces hostage. Surprisingly however the German wasn't even protecting the trench from outside forces with his focus set on something much closer. The soldiers (comprising amongst other of Jamie "Billy Elliott" Bell and Andy "Gollum" Serkis) quickly come to realise that evil has permeated the trench with barb-wired death around every corner. Madness and suspicion is released amongst the unit leaving in doubt anyone's survival...

Masterfully acted from start to finish with some tremendous rain-drenched photography "Deathwatch" is a very promising experience showing the potential of the debutee director Michael J. Bassett. With a shoestring budget he manages to invoke realistic trenches and positionary warfare with the unseen enemy hiding amongst the mud, water and fog. Additionally we are serviced some quite brutal heart-stopping gore, which makes you double-check areas of your body to make sure you remain intact.

Despite consistently conveying the dreary atmosphere the script however is unable to fulfil expectations, even though the open-ended unresolved-on-a-plate ending is a small triumph for the director. Nonetheless the whole movie is predictable and does not offer any freshness. Additionally the plot is severely underdeveloped and some key scenes seem missing or are just tremendously underplayed. Some of the direction tends to be a bit confusing - before the bodycount cuts down the number of soldiers it is hard to actually follow who is doing what or who is who for that matter. In the end it feels more like a well-done test-run created to prove a simple point: I know how to make movies. Essentially perfectly ordinary, but nonetheless sure to creep you out and hauntingly involve during the viewing pleasure.

Anyone remember William Boyd's movie THE TRENCH ? It was made in 1999 and was set on the eve of the battle of the Somme , a battle that saw the British army lose 20,000 soldiers on the first day of battle . It was fairly unconvincing not helped by the fact that the eponymous trench looked like a film set . Not so with Michael J Basset's DEATHWATCH which has a realistic miss-en-scene , so realistic in fact you can taste the mud in your mouth , the rain on your skin and smell the stench of decomposing flesh inside your nose . Anyone think war's a game ? I suggest you watch this movie because it might just change your mind . Just a pity that Basset decided to make a horror movie involving the supernatural because who needs monsters when you see what the human race is capable of

The characters are rather clichéd but no more so than those seen in THE TRENCH or THE SOMME ( 2005 ) and the cast do their best especially Andy Serkis who plays a violent maniac . 10 million people died in the first world war so it's refreshing to see a soldier from that period actually enjoying killing the enemy so much simply down to blind hatred . You think the Jerries and Tommies played football together and drank schnapps every Christmas ? Think again . What really ruins the film is the main story of a supernatural force in the trench alongside the soldiers . It's very confusing and underdeveloped and in places just downright silly , especially that ending

In short this is a film that could have been a modern anti-war classic . Basset has made a highly atmospheric film with some very disturbing imagery . It's interesting to note that the scene everyone remembers is the one where the blankets are pulled back , a scene that you feel uncomfortable watching because you just know something like that has happened in real conflicts in the past and will happen in future conflicts . Did we need supernatural damnation when all you have to do is switch on the TV every day to see the human race damned by it's own hand ?

Set in the trenches of the First World War this is the first film I've seen set during that time that got the sense of place right. Its the got the entombed bodies in the ground, in the walls, and everywhere you look right. It is a bleak existence that the soldiers take almost matter of factly.

The plot has a group of British soldiers getting lost during an attack and finding a German trench. The Germans are more concerned with something in the trench to pay the Brits any mind and try to send them away. All but one of the Germans are shot, but because of a language problem he can't tell them whats is lurking close by.

Beautifully shot, excellently acted this is a very good little horror film. No, its not the be all and end all of horror films but its a damn good little thriller that rises about the typical thanks to its setting and the cast.

This is a film worth putting a bit of effort into finding. I doubt that you'll hate it if you find it, at the very least you'll come away liking it.

8 out of 10.

The horrors of war have served as inspiration to horror stories almost since the beginning of horror as a literary genre; however, horror films with a War setting are really scarce. The main reason to this is that War films often demand a great investment in costumes, props and crew to get the setting right, becoming a big problem for horror directors often forced to work with low-budgets. However, in the last years, daring and inventive directors have taken the risk of making films with a War setting. Although the quality of the films varies, director Michael J. Bassett's film "Deathwatch" is among the best ones, making a thrilling and captivating horror story set in a deserted German trench in the middle of World War I.

After a brutal night of extensive combat in the trench fighting of the First World War, a British Infantry Company gets lost and is separated from their regiment. The next day, the nine surviving soldiers find an enormous German trench that strangely seems occupied by very few soldiers. The Company kills most of the Germans (except for one), and soon take the trench as a headquarters as they attempt to contact their regiment. However, they are not alone, as deep inside the decadent rotten trench there is an evil force that will attempt to consume them as paranoia, isolation and fear begins to corrode the British soldiers.

Written and directed by Michael J. Bassett, "Deathwatch" is a very ambitious horror film that successfully mixes the very real horrors of war with a classic tale of supernatural horror. With an amazing set design (for the budget) and well-done research on the subject, Bassett makes what's probably one of the most realistic representations of a World War I trench, that together with an overwhelming feeling of dread that is carried through the film, creates a terrific atmosphere that is the films strongest point. That's probably the best word to describe "Deathwatch": atmospheric.

The story is for the most part well-crafted as well, and stays in tone with the atmospheric visuals of the film. Playing on the feelings of paranoia and isolation that affect the main characters, the story really gets pretty interesting as the soldiers turn against each other and the death toll increases, however, the slow pace the film moves may turn off people expecting a fast packed action-horror film. While the movie does have some scares and a bit graphic gore, it is the atmosphere, the dread and the mystery what moves the film, so one must not expect a scare-fest in "Deathwatch".

The cast is mainly made of newcomers, and this becomes beneficial, as it adds to the realism of the movie. Jamie Bell of "Billy Elliot" fame, is our main character, Pfc. Charlie Shakespeare, and while he manages to carry the film for the most part, his performance would not be the same without the rest of the cast to support him. Hugh O'Conor gives a terrific performance that serves a nice counterpart to Bell, and the experienced Andy Serkis delivers one of his best (and less known) performances as well. Hugo Speer makes also a good job in a subtle low-key role, although more screen time would have really helped his character.

Certainly "Deathwatch" can be accused of many things, like for example, the fact that some of the supporting characters are clichéd stereotypes; however, it can't be accused of being a bad movie. The way the Company starts as a "collective hero" only to crumble down as the dead count increases is more a good thing than a flaw, and the film's lack of typical jump scares is also a virtue. Probably the way the film was marketed (as a straight-forward slasher) is the film's main problem, as it's really not a fast-packed mix of war and horror as some may expect.

While not a life changing film or the ultimate experience of horror, Michael J. Bassett's "Deathwatch" is a worthy film that truly deserved a better box-office that what it got, as it's a horror film done in a way that seems a rarity these days. Michael J. Bassett certainly shows a lot of talent and if this is the beginning, I can't wait to see what's next for him. 7/10

A nice idea for a plot, which could have gone a long way to making a fantastic film. This combined with some quite impressive acting displays combines to make this a film worth watching if you are ill, or really have nothing better to do. However, the plot is predictable, and, to my mind, a little overdone. The characters as written are extremely wooden stereotypes, although I have to say that Jamie Bell and co make an admirable job of making them seem a little more human (in fact the quality of acting makes this film watchable). What really lets this film down, though, is the lack of historical research. Almost every weapon in the film is an anachronism. Even the soldiers' iconic SMLE rifles have been substituted with Second World War vintage Lee Enfield No4s. Combined with Second World War webbing, the effect is of a load of ACF cadets. The uniforms are incorrect. The military terminology used is incorrect. I'm not normally one for bothering about anachronism, but it really affected my enjoyment of this film.

"Welcome to hell," are the eerily prophetic words, complete with shells, atmospheric all-is-not-right music and the groans of dying men, a hint of what's to come. After the battle, out of the fog and into a German trench, the men of Y-company discover that's exactly where they've landed. First of all, the place is deserted. And strewn with (mutilated) corpses of German soldiers. All dead. Except one (Torben Liebrecht), who warns them desperately that there is "quelque chose de mal" in that place, and to get out as soon as they can. Naturally, they all ignore him, except for Shakespeare (Jamie Bell). Soon, it proves true when the men start turning against each other, or getting sucked into the earth with barbed wire, or tying each other up à-la-crucifixion.

Well. After two years of watching this in the making, it hasn't disappointed (thank you, Mr, Bassett). Great set-up, with the rain, the rats, trenches and mud to make Spielberg weep with envy. While the script could use some work ("what's the matter with this place? What's happening?" asks one -rhetorically?), the acting keeps the characters from becoming walking clichés, especially Jamie Bell as the unwelcome greenhorn, or Hugo Speer as the duty-bound Sgt. Tate, to name a few. The suspense was average and wasn't so scary that there'd be lost sleep over it, nor was it anything over-original. But it's a great piece of ensemble casting (i'd pay the admission again to see Hugh O'Conor say the f-word), cool FX and steady directing make it a good viewing.

World War II is the 20th-century event that has gotten probably more attention than any other, but World War I was also really important, especially since it created the conditions that led to WWII. Michael J. Bassett's "Deathwatch" uses WWI as the setting for the story of a British platoon that seizes a German trench, only to find that it is inhabited by a mysterious, sinister force.

The movie is not about gore and special effects -- though there is some of each -- but more about the effect that the horrific experience has on the soldiers. It's almost a metaphor for the insane impact that war will have on any person. Much like how the soldiers are almost like different people by the end, a person who lives through war will almost certainly not be the same person as before.

Anyway, the movie is worth seeing. Just be careful the next time that you find a trench. Starring Jamie Bell (the title character in "Billy Elliott", and soon to appear as Tintin), Andy Serkis (Gollum in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, and soon to appear as Capt. Haddock) and Hugo Speer (Guy in "The Full Monty").

Separated from their regiment after a brutal night of fighting German troops, a small band of soldiers from British Company Y find themselves lost on the battle ground surrounded by a dense fog. After in indeterminable amount of time wandering around the men stumble upon a German trench, occupied by several German soldiers who have apparently lost their sanity.

Killing all but one of the German soldiers who they take prisoner, the men soon make a gruesome discovery while scouting out the remaining maze of trenches. The entire area is littered with countless German corpses all who have apparently killed each other. Through the interrogation of the German prisoner the men learn that they are not the only ones occupying the forward position as they suspected. With orders from their Captain to hold the position and wait for reinforcements, the small platoon must now stand against an unknown enemy more powerful than anything they have ever faced on the battle field.

This film almost had potential but ultimately seemed to fall short. With a plot that had a few interesting moments it was otherwise quite predictable and made for an ending which wasn't as effective or surprising as was probably intended. The actors played their parts well considering the setting and circumstances which the movie revolved around. The two elements which stood out the most in this film were the sets and the cinematography, both helped in areas where this film fell short at times. Over all not a great movie but by no means was it the worst I have ever seen.

This was one heck of a good movie, I had read nothing about it and bought it based on the box artwork.

This is a WW1 horror movie that takes place mostly in a set of "German trenches" This movie rarely nailed down the muck and horror of trench warfare in my mind. It is a creepy horrible looking place.

The acting is very good and rarely over the top, and the movie maintains a sense of tension and controlled panic from beginning until the climax, where it goes into full panic and finally horrified understanding.

The special effect are not too bad to pretty darn good,it has moments of gore too.

This is a very worthwhile ghost story that should keep you on the edge of your seat, I recommend it as a top notch B movie.

Deathwatch smacks of a film that has a good basis of an idea yet fails to deliver when the goods are on display. I was looking forward to watching this but after half an hour i found myself looking at the clock and wondering when anything of any substance was going to happen. The acting is ok and the film looks good but without the script these are not good enough. There's not a lot more to say. 6 out of 10.

Words do not exist to describe how appalling this film is. The characters are one dimensional and stock : Psychopath, religious one, experienced & duty bound NCO, Clueless officer. The acting is pathetic and the dialogue cliched : "Don't call me sir. I'm a sergeant. I work for a living" has got to have been in every greenhorn/experienced soldier movie. A horror movie!! We spent most of the time switching between laughing and being desperate for the film to end.

I was reading several of the reviews on this site as I was watching the movie. I agree with some and disagree with some. There have been several comments regarding the relatively low budget. What's wrong with that? I, for one, appreciate seeing a movie that is nothing but real actors filling the screen, rather than special effects and computer-generated action. I think relatively low budget aspect of not having special effects made it more "real". The acting I thought was fine. The only person I recognize, being an American, was Jamie Bell. He did his usual very good job here. I have absolutely no idea who the rest of the cast is, so I was not constrained in believability as several reviewers were who mentioned that when they see one specific actor, for example, they keep thinking of his role on a television show. With Bell being the only guy I've seen before, all the actors were, to me, able to settle into their roles as WWI soldiers.

I agree with a couple reviewers who commented that it was good that it was an all-British cast. As an American, it annoys the hell out of me when Hollywood makes movies that involve characters from other nations, and could very easily fill those roles with actors from those nations, but instead use American actors with horrible imitation accents, or worse yet, not even using an accent. Regarding what the movie was "really" about, I like the fact that it was left a little up in the air. This is one of those movies that allows heated debated after viewing it. It is good to have a movie that lets you think for yourself regarding what you just watched, rather than having it force-fed to you. I think this was a very good movie, one in which a low budget, all British cast, and completely unknown (for an American) actors other than Bell, all combine to equal an enjoyable viewing experience.