"Armistice" aka "The Captive" aka "Warhouse" (2013, Luke Massey, Double Dutch Film) is a supernatural and psychological thriller.
A.J. Budd (Joseph Morgan) is a Royal Marine who awakens in a strange house. He doesn't remember how he got there, or where exactly he is. In fact, he can't remember much outside of his name and his Rank. He goes downstairs to find breakfast waiting for him, but before he can tuck in he's attacked by a grotesque zombie-like creature. After dispatching of the creature, he finds that he cannot escape the house. Eventually, he finds the creature's body has disappeared and a bag of chips await him for dinner.
As well as being inescapable, the house also contains no other food than that left for him and all the books are blank inside. Confused, he turns in only to wake and experience a second identical day.
Eventually he finds some books that have been used as diaries by another trapped soldier from some time before called Edward Sterling (Matt Ryan). Sterling reveals that he also has no memory from before the house but he has been injured apparently in battle and has slowly begun to unravel the secrets of the house. Through Sterling's many diaries, Budd attempts to navigate an escape as well as to defend himself from the attacking creatures and attempt to maintain his sanity. But will he dig too far and discover a truth he would rather not know about this place? And what of Sterling's fate?
A slow burning, contemplative film that explores the concepts of self identity (and perhaps of soldiers in particular having that identity changed by their work), of loneliness, of war and of human resilience (or, in some cases, breaking point) while also weaving in some humour to break up the bleakness. The film uses its low budget nature as part of the plot delivery. Our protagonists are trapped and the setting is claustrophobic and repetitive. Both actors give a fantastic performance as they live out their endless identical days and slowly begin to unravel.
Despite never meeting, Budd and Sterling become almost friends with one keeping the other going up until a point. And the sense of loss and betrayal that Morgan's character experiences as the plot reaches its climax is palpable.
There are a few little plot holes that leave unanswered questions about how the rules of this prison work. Such as how Sterling is overjoyed to find that a brick he had smashed remains smashed upon his waking, but he never seemed to question his daily markings on the wall and his diary entries remaining intact when other things reset. Perhaps the house has a sense of cruel irony that the prisoners can track their hopeless time but cannot effect their prison permanently. However, the mystery of the house is well achieved and the film keeps the viewer engaged with its clever diary delivery and the comparison of both men's experiences. There's also a really clear sense of difference in era between Sterling and Budd which is shown in their characterisation but also in how they choose to spend their time. I enjoyed the clear contrast between Edward's time spent improving his playing of the piano and Budd's time making an extravagant pillow fort!
Both characters are tragic but their journeys and experiences in the house go in different directions. With Budd finding some motivation in Sterling's writings. Sterling drives the narrative and his journey is driven by a stiff-upper-lip mentality to hold on as long as possible, but inevitably this leads to despair. The scenes with the piano and the wind up to his ultimate fate are emotional.
The effects and make up are practical and gooey. As a fan of low budget gungy gore I was suitably satisfied.
I make no secret of my appreciation for Matt Ryan, but I say this as a film fan in general when I tell you that this film is a thoughtful film worth checking out. Currently available on Prime UK.
Hani
