Time to make friends with The Little Stranger

Paul O’Rourke 

LENNY Abrahamson has gone mainstream. And for a director who enjoys all things small and quirky, that may prove to be somewhat of a personal conundrum.  

Starting out with two drug addicts wandering the streets of Dublin in ‘Adam and Paul’, Abrahamson progressed to the tiny confines of a  ‘Garage’ with Pat Shortt, and then to an equally small ‘Room’ with Brie Larson. 

His other films, ‘What Richard Did’ and ‘Frank’ also involved placing characters in small spaces under extreme stress, so that appears to be where the Irish director is at home and most comfortable.  

In his latest offering, ‘The Little Stranger’, Abrahamson increases the room count to that of an entire mansion (that’s Hollywood for you!), but still manages to keep the story very much indoors and confined. 

The film centres on Dr Faraday (played by Domhnall Gleeson), an English country doctor who is called to attend to a patient at the old stately home of the Ayres family at Hundreds Hall. 

We soon learn that not only is the house in decline, so too are its residents, entangled in some sort of dark energy, something that Faraday may himself have an old connection with. 

The movie is based on the 2009 gothic novel by Sarah Waters and while it has been described as a ghost story, it’s not your typical fright around every corner affair. 

Abrahamson builds the tension expertly with his small reveals and willingness to hold back until the end. Gleeson, excellent as always, is joined by a solid cast which includes Charlotte Rampling, Will Poulter  and Ruth Wilson. 

On the negative side, pure horror fans may be shifting in their seats, not because of the frightening scares, but rather the lack of them. And you could argue that the ending reveal doesn’t provide a big enough Hollywood pay off, but remember, Abrahamson doesn’t do big. 

Overall, as another well observed study of character, something the director does very well, we award ‘The Little Stranger’ a review score of 2.5 friendly stars. 

Other releases: ‘A Simple Favour’ – 2.5 stars.