Happy Goat Horror

Set against the backdrop of the UK’s 1980s “Video Nasty” era, Censor explores the psychological toll of censorship and the blurred lines between reality and fiction. It’s a visually arresting and thought-provoking film, but one that stumbles in its execution, leaving behind more questions than answers.

“Reality is subjective.”

The Premise

Enid (Niamh Algar) is a film censor whose job is to snip away society’s sins, ensuring audiences are protected from on-screen depravity. But her methodical approach begins to unravel when she reviews a horror film that eerily mirrors the traumatic disappearance of her sister. As Enid dives deeper into the mystery, her grip on reality begins to fray.

The premise is a strong one, drawing from real cultural anxieties of the time. The idea of horror films as scapegoats for societal violence is fertile ground for exploration, and Censor initially handles this with finesse, raising questions about responsibility, repression, and the power of media.

“Not everything can be cut away.”

The Execution

Niamh Algar delivers a captivating performance as Enid, balancing fragility with an underlying sense of determination. She’s the film’s anchor, carrying much of the weight even when the story begins to lose focus.

Director Prano Bailey-Bond deserves credit for creating an immersive atmosphere. The film’s washed-out visuals and meticulous production design perfectly capture the grimy aesthetic of the era. But as Censor transitions from psychological drama to full-on surrealism, it becomes muddled, losing some of its initial momentum.

The pacing is uneven, with the final act veering into chaotic territory. While this may be intentional to reflect Enid’s fractured psyche, it can feel disjointed and abrupt, leaving the audience with more confusion than catharsis.

“The mind is its own horror show.”

The Horror Elements

The scares in Censor are subtle and psychological, relying more on atmosphere and unease than outright gore or jump scares. The film excels in its quieter moments, where the true horror lies in Enid’s unraveling mental state.

However, the lack of a clear resolution may frustrate viewers who prefer their mysteries tied up neatly. Censor asks a lot of questions but doesn’t always provide satisfying answers, leaving its thematic exploration feeling incomplete.

“Memory is the ultimate unreliable narrator.”

Final Thoughts

*There’s no denying the artistry behind Censor, from its evocative visuals to its compelling lead performance. But its ambitions ultimately outpace its execution, resulting in a film that feels more like an intriguing experiment than a fully realized masterpiece.

If you’re a fan of psychological horror and are willing to embrace ambiguity, Censor is worth a watch. Just don’t expect it to hold your hand—or to answer all your questions.

Strengths

• Niamh Algar’s intense and nuanced performance
• Stylish visuals and a pitch-perfect evocation of the “Video Nasty” era
• A fascinating exploration of censorship and trauma

Weaknesses

• Uneven pacing, especially in the final act
• Ambiguous storytelling that may leave some viewers unsatisfied

Score: A cerebral and stylish 6.5.