Puritan (2005) User Reviews

Looks aren't everything, unfortunately

[horroregg · 5/10 · 28 August 2007]

I liked the production and costume design, the clever way it looks Victorian whilst being set in the modern day. I liked the colours and the camera, and I liked the cast. I also liked that it took itself seriously and the makers clearly went out to make a good film rather than a commercial one. In fact, its only nod to commercialism seems to be the casting of Hutch as the self help guru (he's fine, but this really could've been anyone).

I didn't like the snail like pace and numerous references to ultimately irrelevant historical characters that are clearly a bit of an obsession for the writer. The identity of the burned man is rather more obvious than I'm sure it was intended to be and the Aleister Crowley bit is laughable.

It deserves credit for being brave & really lovely to look at, but it's very,very slow with no ultimate reward for your patience.

Like a Puzzle, but not a complicated one

[Thorsten_B · 6/10 · 28 September 2005]

I just saw this film in what seems to be the World Premiere screening (Germany, Fantasy Filmfest). It was called a "supernatural film noir" in advance. It's not really dressed film noir in terms of cinematography or looks in general, but it's story sure steps into the tradition. In my opinion, it starts a bit too slow. As things unfold, tension rises. The hints that point at a supernatural background add to the thriller-atmosphere. But when the viewer is finally able to make a picture out of the puzzle pieces, the ending comes all too quick, although at this point the story asks for much more. Altogether, the big moment of confrontation to which it all aims is a bit too predictable to serve my tastes. Fans of the genre (or this sort of genre-mix-up, rather) will still be pleased. But don't expect something that will make impact.

I can't believe it- a low budget Brit thriller made with tax breaks and it's actually good!

[Afzal-s2007 · 9 December 2007]

I saw this director's first film (The Late Twentieth) in a cinema in London about four years ago. I wasn't very impressed, though I did think the film had something about it. I have been checking back every now and then on IMDb regarding him since, and finally got around to seeing Puritan yesterday (stumbled across it in Blockbusters in Stepney, where the film is set....) Puritan has hallmarks of film noir. Most obviously, this is in its dark lighting, probably intended to cover up the low production values, which was one of the main reasons film noir was invented back in the 1930's in the first place. But Puritan synthesises film noir with supernatural horror, making it seem a little like a Cronenberg film, and referencing East London's spectral history, such as Hawskmoor, a nod to the great Alan Moore. It is about a washed up writer on the paranormal, Simon Puritan, whose life fell apart after his wife died, hitting the bottle big time, and now survives by being a medium giving spiritual readings.

But one day a mysterious, bandaged man in a hat turns up and pushes Puritan off in a radical new direction, involving a beautiful woman, and her rich, shady husband. If this sounds conventional thriller territory, then it is, but Puritan is genuinely involving and unexpectedly twisty in novel ways. More importantly, the film, unlike so many other modern, low budget films, both horror and film noir, has a real, tender heart in its love story, which drives the film. This is aided by an unexpectedly good performance by Nick Moran, who displays a vulnerability and neediness that is at times crushing. He is helped by excellent, unnerving performances from David Soul, Georgina Rylance and Ralph Brown. Perhaps best of all was the assured direction and editing, which give a real professional feeling to the film, making it punch far above its weight. The script integrates film noir and horror surprisingly well.

Forget the Alan Moore comparisons: this film is lame!

[lilithblack69 · 4/10 · 27 August 2007]

I think most of the reviewers on this site must have seen a different film to me as this is just a lame film noir tarted up with the odd mention of Hawksmoor and Crowley (mispronounced in the film). The Alan Moore/"From Hell" comparisons are totally unjustified, except in the rather simplistic thinks-it's-much-clever-than-it-is ending.

The film is far too dark - almost everything is shot in red and black - the characters are dull and the story predictable. I had high hopes for this as a genuinely uneasy and different Brit flick (hell - just give me anything that doesn't have gangsters) but all the occult stuff is just window-dressing for what's actually a very straightforward film. Yes, it apes the mise-en-scene of "From Hell" - dabbles with its themes of cyclic time - and even has a lead character who could be Constantine from the "Hellblazer" comics - but it has none of the sophistication of Alan Moore's writing. Like I say, it wasn't lousy; it just wasn't a patch on how it had been advertised...

third rate movie

[peertwo · 2/10 · 15 October 2007]

This is a pretty poor film. An overt enthusiasm for poor lighting (no, everything in high contrast red, or black& white isn't clever, its just difficult to watch). A slooooooow script (not a aged wine, but a bottle of gone-off alco-pop) A script that makes no sense. The twist (of which about 3 tolerable ones were discarded for the most inconsistent). Don't waste your money or your time.

***SPOILER***

He goes back from the past to stop himself falling in love with a beautiful woman, who'll make him rich, but due to his own stupidity, tells himself she's bad and gets him burnt (and still gets the girl, the love and the money !!) If he'd had said, done stand near the caravan he'd have been OK. Oh, and he makes a girl kill her boyfriend and Aleister Crowley think he's a magician (those last bits tagged on to be 'clever').

Its "Donnie Darko" / Butterfly effect, but without a coherent script. A real wasted opportunity.

Deveilishly Clever Film! Alan Moore would love this movie!

[festerinfrank · 10/10 · 30 August 2006]

I am yet another one of the fans from the Frightfest Film Festival, saw Puritan on Monday, and it blew me away.

It looks like a Victorian film, dark and shadowy, and has all the elements of DC's Vertigo comics.

All those Alan Moore adaptations we have had that have hit the big screen have been truly dire, but this film, obviously not written by Moore but newcomer Hadi Hajaig, is the kind of film that has the feel of those graphic novels.

Its intricate in its design, gorgeous in its mise en scene, and devilishly clever in its final act delivery.

The cast are cool, Moran who acted in lock stock, a film i did not enjoy at all, was excellent, David Soul was sooo good as the menacing self help guru, but it is the new talent that is Georgina Rylance that steals their thunder, she is like a more beautiful Kristin Scott Thomas.

If I had any criticism it is that it didn't explain itself enough at the end, but I guess that is a good thing as we can try to mull over all the various plot details.

A great shot in the arm for the Independent British Film industry, who only seem to make moronic gangster films. It really inspired me.

I didn't like it either

[inoshi · 2/10 · 26 March 2008]

Most commentators seem to like this, but I didn't. It seemed to me to be 90% of nothing happening and 10% denouement. The photography was laboured and unnecessarily monochromatic (mostly red/black). I guessed the identity of the disfigured man fairly early on and I think that most people will manage that. I love supernatural films but this was a real disappointment. I thought that there was no suspense and no character development. Also, I did not 'get' the ending. In fact, I couldn't engage with any of the characters at all. I've had to pad this out because of the rules but my summary would be: Quite boring with no resolution (yep - I'm one of those who likes a real ending! :-)

Superbly crafted film.

[lagunasmith66 · 9/10 · 13 November 2005]

Superbly crafted film. A real surprise for me, I saw it at the LUFF screenings at the NFT. It is quite gorgeously photographed, the main colour being red, which is used throughout in very heavy shades, but this really works as it is counterpointed by deap heavy blacks. The film moves along in a very considered way, it reminded me of the steven soderbergh film 'sex, lies & videotape' in that regard.

The plot is quite multi layered in that it takes you along but you never know where you stand with it, at many points I thought I had figured its conclusion out but was double bluffed, and was wrong, so i enjoyed that aspect of it. The ending does come out of left field and I have to say i didn't really expect it, and was annoyed that I hadnt figured it out but was also pleased that it tricked me. It is the kind of film that you leave and think about for the rest of the evening. All in all an enjoyable film.

If anyone else has seen it, can you tell me the significance of the 'hand' Simon Puritan keeps drawing? This is something that I still have not figured out.

Glorious Film noir!

[JitterinJake · 10/10 · 2 September 2006]

This film has a lot going for it. A script that is smart and tight, actors that are performing at high and complex level and visual style that attains the heights of classic film noirs.

The use of shadows and contrast in its visual framing and also in the script is superb, the visual system is classical and reminded me of the Robert Townes classic Chinatown, wherein water was used as symbol of corruption in Chinatown, in Puritan, truth as a concept and also truth of character symbolised by Anne Grey, is a symbol that is regarded as lies, something not to be trusted. Many visual clues are used that work on you in many ways, the script is truly performing on multi layered levels, like all film noirs should.

The characters never say too much, just enough that is needed, an economy of dialogue that remembers the hard boiled film noir heroes of yesteryear, all framed in in deep reds and encased n blackest blacks. This film succeeds because it created a world for itself, where you believe the events that unfold, because the world that is created is convincing.

A Top Film !

[Brumboy · 10/10 · 31 August 2006]

I drove all the way from Birmingham to enjoy the Frightfest Festival over the bank holiday weekend, and I have to say I was disappointed with some of the films, there was a degree of childishness to them, but I was relieved to to see Puritan, as it was a real treat.

I had planned not to watch it, as was starving, but then i thought I had to get my money's worth for the weekend pass I had gotten.

So i sat down and watched the director introduce the film, and was really hypnotised by the lyrical beauty of this film.

Its is quite poetic, intelligent and atmospheric to the hilt. I loved the very calm acting styles of all concerned, and the glorious visuals that encompassed this film.

The similarities to Alan Moore stories I spotted immediately but that was a good thing, as its not really a Moore type plot, in that it was a thriller at heart, and not really supernatural, although there is that element to it. I just have to say i really liked this movie.

Nick Moran held my attention as the fallen down hero who has to pick himself up again and start afresh, he has to purify himself, and the way in which that is achieved is incredibly shrewd and cunning.

A Top Film!

Atmospheric brilliance.

[ploplotrap2 · 10/10 · 3 September 2006]

As with many of the reviewers I caught this at the Frightfest festival

This London Gothic chiller is loaded with a huge degree of suspense and intrigue. The tension is felt throughout the film, amplified by the exquisite cinematography and lush classical score.

David Soul, the man who was Hutch, dominated the screen with his magnetic presence, anytime he is on, you simply have to watch him. Nick Moran holds his own, delivering a truly intelligent acting piece to his portfolio. And the always steadfast Ralph brown acts the part with ease.

I have to say the ending completely blind sided me, the film is littered with a great deal of clues that deserves a second viewing. i shall be buying my ticket to check what i missed the first time.

Very Cool Flick!

[reeferkidd · 10/10 · 30 August 2006]

Very Cool Flick! Saw this little beauty with my pals at the Frightfest festival in London. And I have to say to all my fellow film freaks and freakettes, this is a class act all the way.

The film just for starters looks just goddamned gorgeous, you could take any frame of it and hang it in a gallery, i just loved the use of colours, red, red and oh yeah...red. Just beautifully atmospheric and stunning.

Moran holds the film together on his broad acting shoulders, I have wondered what happened to this dude over the years since the whole lock stock scenario, but he has come back with a really strong movie. Ms Georgina Rylance is a major hottie and a great actress to boot, but its the HUTCH man himself who steals the show, with a rip roaring performance as the evil Eric Bridges. This dude is totally underused, someone please cast him in something else.

The director is assured and his framing is solid, composed and powerful, he would fit right in to making commercials, cut from the same cloth as Ridley Scott, Alan Parker et al: but his film has a lot more depth than those 2 guys, am I exaggerating? No. I think this young gent is one to watch.

Go and watch it, but make sure you are concentrating as it needs your full attention, a real high class film noir!

Stunning film!

[JillianMoo · 10/10 · 29 August 2006]

Stunning film! I viewed this film with my boyfriend yesterday at the Frightfest Film festival and without doubt it was my favourite film of the entire festival.

The director introduced it along with the whole cast Nick Moran, Georgina Rylance and the iconic David Soul.

The film is calm, cool and collected, and I cannot believe it has been made in the UK, it feels like it came from the states as it really has a cinematic look and the plot is working on many levels than just moving from a to b. It twists and turns and never reveals itself and long after you have left the cinema you are thinking about it and discussing all the possibilities of its plot line.

The director said they shot it in 21 days which staggers me, because it is so beautiful to look at and so professionally done, my hats off to him and his amazing cinematographer.

This is the kind of movie the British film industry should be making, and its so good to hear an independent film maker has gone out there and done it completely of his own accord. Go and see it, i think its going to be one of those films that will become a favourite.

5 Star Fim Noir!

[EggFooYung · 10/10 · 9 September 2006]

The moment you start watching Puritan you are sucked into a journey of cinematic style and intelligence.

Its patient with you and never lets you know too much, just enough to keep you watching and intrigued.

Film noir plots are things we are all used to, but the possibility of variations and manipulation in these plot lines are infinite, that is why they are so satisfying and watchable, and these variations are completely fulfilled in Puritan with an assured confidence.

I particularly admired the minimalist approach to framing and coverage. Only what is needed is shown and used, a very brave thing to attempt as it could have backfired, but in this case it succeeds in a film that is gratifying in its simplicity.

Very smart, deceptively subtle film

[eddiediaz33 · 10/10 · 5 October 2005]

Very smart, deceptively subtle film. I saw this at an advance screening and one of the first things that struck me was how beautiful it looked. Like a film noir from the 40's set in the present day, but it also had this lovely haunting atmosphere of a London long since past. It mixes the genres well, but I would say its not really a supernatural film, although the film has a supernatural overtones, but its a smart film in line with films like Donnie Darko and Memento, a mystery.

The acting is really solid, Nick Moran who has made questionable films in the past (I didn't like Lock Stock) is pretty mesmeric as the lead and holds it all together, Ralph Brown is always good, but David Soul's right wing politician is a real treat, I'm amazed he doesn't do more. Georgina Rylance who plays the femme fatale is a star waiting to be discovered, all I can find out about her is that she did Dinotopia and straight to video Wesley Snipes movie!!!!

I liked the slow pacing as I'm getting sick of fast cutting and non stop movement in a lot of films today, it felt very classical and measured. And the ending was a real surprise but I won't spoil it for anyone. All in all I really recommend it when it comes out, check it out

Great film, great direction.

[pablolocke70 · 10/10 · 10 February 2006]

Great film, great direction. I managed to catch a screening of "Puritan" last year & really enjoyed it. It has a great atmosphere, looks slick and an impressive supporting cast. The narrative keeps you gripped until the end, with a few chills and twists along the way. David Soul plays an excellent and unexpected turn as a sly, possibly crooked public benefactor / philanthropist guru. Georgina Rylance is excellent as the love interest & extremely watch able. I found the film very reminiscent of the likes of 'Donnie Darko' with a dash of 'Angel Heart'. 'Puritan' has very much a film noir feel about it. Production design, camera and music should get a special mention. There are some moody sets and non-flashy, economical camera work, all backed up with a catchy and atmospheric score. I think this director could well be worth keeping an eye on in the near future.

Classical Storytelling

[popelady999 · 10/10 · 4 September 2006]

When you watch this film you feel its timeless quality in the storytelling. Its classical, simple and immediate.

Some scenes are shot in a single take, and the actors run through their lines with a slow ease that is charming to watch. the entire film is lit in a dark and brooding way.

I think the cinematographer has done an outstanding job in adding to the storytelling, dealing with imagery in a way that expands and explains the plot line, painting with light and also speaking with light.

The actors act with slow and strong assurance, solid performances that create resonance throughout the film.

If I can think of a word that can best describe this film it solidity of vision. Puritan is film that is cut above.

Beautifully elegant movie.

[fizgigbobo · 10/10 · 16 February 2006]

Beautifully elegant movie. Saw this at the Berlin fantasy film festival, I am someone who likes Alan Moore comics and also the works of Neil Gaiman, so when i saw the plot summary in the festival catalogue which discussed Hawksmoore etc, i bought tickets immediately.

I'm not sure how much the film costs but it was a gorgeously photographed and directed little film, I know its relatively low budget just by watching it, but it still is imbued with a lot of class and perception, reaching higher than I expected a film would.

My girlfriend and me were caught up in it immediately from the opening close up shot of Simon Puritan's face drenched in deep red light. The film wraps itself around you in a very subtle way, you don't know that it has hooked you, but when you realise you really enjoy the fact that it has gotten to you, because you have stopped trying to figure it out and are simply engrossed in its plot and visuals.

Am looking forward to its release. Wonder what the director is doing next??

Impressive Indy

[LoGirl · 10/10 · 20 November 2006]

Hello all!

I read about this film in Time Out, where it got a good review so decided to check it out for myself.

I like to seek out films that aren't publicised that much, as in the past they are the ones that have inspired me most, as I am an independent film maker myself, and not that interested in the overall British film industry.

It was totally worth it as Puritan is a very classy venture that has been fully realised in a very mature and precise way.

The classic film noir plot line was instantly familiar to me, even though I am not an expert on them, the plot line was quite familiar which was the reason that it kept me on edge, because what I thought would happen never happened, or sometimes it did but not in the way I expected it to happen.

The film is very moody and beautiful to view, they really have made the most of a low budget, sometimes the low budget is apparent but it still works and its still very beautifully framed, the use of scarlet red throughout the film was a particular favourite and very eyecatching.

It really inspired me to to make my own films, and seeing that it was independantly made, it made me feel that I could accomplish what i want to do in the film industry.

A special film.

[LippyGirl · 10/10 · 31 August 2006]

If you are lucky enough to find this movie go and watch it.

I viewed it at frightfest and I think the director said it was coming out in November in the q&a after the film was shown.

It is classic film making, adult emotions handled in a truly adult way. It recreates the film noirs of the 30's and 40's which I am a huge fan of, but the subject matter is treated with sensitivity and intelligence.

The actors say the lines in a relaxed and simple way, lulling you into the plot, which washes over you gently and then has you completely in its thrall by the end of the third act.

Its such a pleasure to see a film made this way again, made in way that its not shouting and screaming to grab your attention, but it simply holds you riveted with its finesse.

Great movie, this will be a hit.

[owlfink · 10/10 · 14 January 2006]

Great movie, this will be a hit! Where has this film been hiding and when is it coming out? The colours are just plain gorgeous, the sets and direction immaculate, the cast is spot on, although I wouldn't call them 'A list' names they really deliver. What i really liked about it was that i was always thinking throughout, I felt there was something going on that was not being said, a real menace underneath, but I couldn't really put my finger on it, and when the film unravels the climax at the end i was really surprised. The woman who plays the lead role of Ann grey is beautiful, she looks like a actress from Hollywood's golden age, Lauren Bacall etc, and she can really act, she certainly kept e guessing throughout. Does anyone know which distributor is handling this and when it is coming out? I caught a screening of it at the Berlin Festival, and heard the director speak about it afterwards, but i still cant find out about its release date or when it will be on DVD. But I highly recommend it for any fans of the mysterious.

Lovely music and beautifully shot.

[revelationfilm · 9/10 · 5 January 2006]

Lovely music and beautifully shot. There is some fine acting from David Soul, Geogina Rylance and Nick Moran, who really draw you into their world. The first 15 minutes or so is a bit slow (in my opinion), but well worth sitting through as the plots start to unfold. There are some good surprises and some really great atmospheric moments. (I love a really tense scene in a large manor house - very Hitchcockian !) The film uses a lot of static shots which along with the prevalence of dark moody cinematography give the film its own strong character. There is a love scene which is handled with great sensitivity and the Director builds the tension throughout the film, and in hindsight you see that he has littered the film with clues. I've seen it at festival and believe it is intended for release in 2006 sometime - well worth going to see.

Well worth the rental fee!

[Bernays33 · 10/10 · 28 August 2007]

Rented this film yesterday and was pleasantly surprised to find a British film that chose to go down a path that was not predictable in the slightest.

I am really sick and tired of crummy gangster and geezer films that British film makers seem to want to make, and this film went a completelely different path with a literary script and quite lustrous visuals.

The ending really blind sided me and will be watching it again to see if I can spot the things I missed in the first place.

Wel done to all involved for a pleasant evenings quality entertainment.

So very good

[LeastMostWanted · 9/10 · 10 September 2021]

This is a great story, it includes a tale about Aleister Crowley, rumors about cathedrals, philosophical discussions about the nature of time, all wrapped up in a neat noir. It is a shame it is not easily available for streaming in 2021 in the USA. I found success on a site called losmovies. If you use that site, have a good pop-up blocker, I scanned for viruses after viewing and found nothing more than tracking cookies. Anyway, a lot was accomplished with this film in only 89 minutes. Great just great.

Superb slice of supernatural neo-noir.

[hitchcockthelegend · 8/10 · 24 May 2014]

Written and directed by Hadi Hajaig, Puritan stars Nick Moran, Georgina Rylance, Pete Hodge, David Soul and Ralph Brown. Music is by Simon Lambros and cinematography is by Peter Ellmore.

Simon Puritan (Moran) is a medium in the East End of London. Tormented by the bad cards life has dealt him, he's become a alcoholic and battles with migraine headaches. When his latest client introduces him to Ann Bridges (Rylance), it spins his life onto another plane.

Low on budget it may be, but Hadi Hajaig's movie has style and atmosphere to burn. Though set in modern London, Hajaig pitches Simon Puritan into a Gothic flavoured world. It's world where the spectres of Jack the Ripper and Aleister Crowley dwell, where architecture is by Nicholas Hawksmoore. Then the director fills this eerie backdrop with shadows and filtered light, enhancing the blood reds and the deathly blacks for maximum impact. There's the distinct whiff of the supernatural as Puritan finds himself in classic film noir territory.

The plot is deliberately labyrinthine as intriguing characters wander in to further cloud Puritan's perception. Some of the means and motives of the main players are at first glance murky, but as the makers blend genres, as Simon tries to crawl out from what is now a vortex of crime and dishonesty, it pieces together with a devilish glint in its eye. Ambiguities are one of the film's strengths, they drag us the viewers into Simon's confused state of mind, whilst simultaneously keeping us hooked into this most interesting and visually stunning picture.

Performances are only OK and the sound mix is sadly poor at times, but I'm convinced this would be better known and rated if more fans of noir could see it. 8/10