Damian McCarthy's Irish shocker centers on Dr. Timmins (Gwilym Lee) who works at a mental institute. A year to the day after his wife's mysterious passing, her twin sister Darcy (Carolyn Bracken - who plays both) insists on staying over in the isolated country home where the death occurred. Darcy is a blind psychic.
Much of the movie takes place on that one long fateful night. Timmins is working late and his new girlfriend Yana (Caroline Melton) is tasked with having to babysit Darcy - much against her will. McCarthy, who also wrote, ratchets up the tension very well with an atmosphere of dread, ominous camera movements and a very active soundtrack. There are a couple of very well timed shock cuts that break up the brooding pace. The title entity is a macabre life-sized wooden doll which Darcy insists on propping up in plain view. It's genuinely gripping.
Unfortunately, once the tale behind the tale is revealed, it comes off as a bit of disappointment. McCarthy leans too much on misdirection and shifting POV. It's one of those movies where everyone has to act in a certain specific way for it to 'work'. It feels more of an unnecessary cheat here because the set up is done in such as smart and sober manner. Still, Bracken is very good in the dual role. The bonding of the twins is effective and palpable (although more should have been made of it). And, the epilogue is delicious.
