Films: CRASH COURSE IN HORROR

Sunday Mirror, Sep 19, 2004 by Mark Adams

TRAUMA (15)

THE STARS: Colin Firth, Mena Suvari, Naomie Harris, Tommy Flanagan.

THE STORY: Ben (Firth) wakes from a coma to discover his wife died in the same car accident in which he was injured. Weeks later he tries to start a new life in a new flat and is befriended by beautiful neighbour Charlotte (Suvari). But his life spirals out of control as he is convinced he keeps seeing his wife (Harris) still alive and he becomes obsessed with the recent murder of pop diva Lauren Parris. As police question him and friends grow more concerned, he begins to lose his gripWHAT'S GOOD? Firth is totally convincing as a man tortured by fragmented memories of his past, and who may - or may not - be hiding some awful truths. Trauma is a well- constructed psychological British horror film that twists and turns and takes its audience down dark and frightening routes. The atmosphere is dense with chills and dripping tension, and is impressively directed by Marc Evans (who made the cult chiller My Little Eye). Hollywood import Mena Suvari (from American Pie) exudes innocence and compassion as the warm and welcoming girl next door.

WHAT'S BAD? Many of the attempts at tension and thrills are overplayed and a bit heavy-handed (much is made of ants for some reason) and it isn't too hard to see where the storyline is going despite the trappings of clever complexity.

The apartment in a dank and gloomy old hospital is a bit ludicrous and while Firth is fine, Suvari is way too lightweight and looks rather unsure what sort of film she is in. The wonderful Naomie Harris is wasted as Ben's wife - more of her next time please!

HOW LONG IS IT? A tense 104 mins.

FINAL VERDICT: Psychological chiller that fails to grip.