OUTCAST

This month see's the UK DVD release of director Colm McCarthy's Celtic flavoured yarn - OUTCAST. With an original concept, complimented by a quality cast, this British Horror effort had real potential to transcend its humour laden peers.

The movie wastes no time in setting the narrative in motion with its introduction of the story's characters. Fergal (Niall Bruton) and his mother Mary (Kate Dickie) have relocated from Ireland to squalid lodgings on a council estate in Edinburgh. Despite its near derelict state, Mary has no hesitation in accepting the flat as their new home, suggesting they are striving to escape something far more sinister then mere poverty.

Meanwhile back in Ireland, Cathal (James Nesbitt) is having, what is later revealed to be, a "Saxon Rune" tattooed onto his back in a brutally traditional manner. The scene in which five needles are deftly tapped into Cathal's skin typifies the films mature attitude toward the depiction of gore. It strikes a fine balance of unnerving violence without spilling over into sensational comic book schlock.

"Use it only to kill the boy.." the artist warns him, illustrating that the tattoo is definitely more than mere body art. Cathal and his guide Liam (Ciarán McMenamin) then make their way to Scotland in apparent pursuit of the aforementioned pair.

When Mary senses in her sleep that she and her son are in danger she embarks on an erotic ritual, using her own blood to paint an identical 'Rune' symbol onto the wall of their fetid residence. Her scarred cleavage suggests that this is not the first time she has used such a Black Art.

It's not long before Fergal attracts the attentions of his alluring neighbour Petronella (Hannah Stanbridge), who herself is juggling the pressure of an alcoholic mother, her disabled brother Tomatsk (Josh Whitelaw), and fickle lust from the locals.

Cathal and Liam's tepid reception upon arriving in Scotland is followed by the first revelation of the movies supernatural beast. Their reasons for undertaking such a quest then steadily begins to manifest as the rich tapestry of the tale unfurls.....

The mystical intricacies of the plot would have limited impact if it wasn't for the calibre of the setting. With its mythical roots firmly planted in the Emerald Isle, it would be hard to imagine anywhere other than Britain being used as the movies location. But the obvious rural environment, so often associated with paganism, is shunned in favour of a hostile concrete jungle. Its inhabitants ensure a looming threat of violence in daylight as well as the demonic threat that lurks in the darkness.

This is complimented by a diverse array of characters, brilliantly brought to life by some sterling acting. Take Mary for example; with a very intense persona guarded by an austere exterior, she uses her sorcery to protect her son, Fergal. Spinning a social workers mind into a flux with her "words of power" was a highly original way to deal with a potential antagonist without the need for violence. The ambiguity of whether this was Mary abusing her power added a menacing complexity to her role.

Then of course there is James Nesbitt as Cathal. I know of James Nesbitt but know very little of his work. It's one of the side effects of having a personal affliction against Television I guess! Anyone expecting a comedic performance from Nesbitt will be disappointed. There is an element of sincerity about his passionate portrayal of Cathal. His claim that he researched Irish folklore before upon accepting the role is believable. Desperate to use his granted energies anew, Cathal is literally a man possessed by his zealous lust for power.

The cast was undoubtedly helped by the strong script which nourished the movie. I can't recall any 'filler' scenes of pointless rambling but was instead impressed with the strength of some of the dialogue. "My skin is itchy with power.." perfectly conveyed Cathal's impatient frustration.

A possible flaw in the movie reminded me of a startling comparative British horror movie involving ancient Runes and black magic made over half a century ago. 'Night of the Demon' (1957) had strictures passed upon it for daring to graphically depict the movies ogre. This censure could possibly also be aimed at Outcast.

Neither is it an overly gory movie but has enough of the red stuff to provide a few shocks along the way. My favourite involves Tomatsk (Josh Whitelaw, allegedly born on Halloween) in a particularly vicious scene that is not only drenched in blood, but also pivotal to the plot.

Colm McCarthy has taken gritty social realism and thrust into it a twisted fable comprising of black magic and Gaelic folklore. The piquant collision of occult antiquity and modern day hooliganism is galvanised by some strong performances that, thankfully, refrain from winking at the audience during 90 minute running time.

In subsequent interviews after the films debut, Colm McCarthy referred to his father as a seanchi (an Irish story teller) and spoke of his upbringing primed with the 'Sidhe' (Irish myths and folklore, pronounced 'she'). Such an interview discussing these topics that clearly inspired the movie would have been a welcome 'extra' on the disc but is sadly omitted.

Not quite a classic, but certainly head, horns and shoulders above some of the recent UK horror flicks.

By Marc Lissenburg