Black Narcissus Review: 3 Ups And 5 Downs Review

The 1947 Deborah Kerr original had the vibe of a Roger Corman horror - fans of Vincent Price Edgar Allen Poe adaptations would do well to watch it. In what is essentially a haunted house tale set in the Himalayas with nuns, tone is everything and Black Narcissus 2020 does not disappoint.

The tension is established early on; will Clodagh have what it takes to 'civilise' both the locals and her psychologically fragile sisters? Maybe, but the fact that Mopu is already essentially a prison for the local hareem, plagued by scandal and suicide, doesn't help. No amount of gardening or hymn singing will brighten up this deeply foreboding castle of ill repute. Ghosts, while fleeting in their appearance, are hidden behind every corner and the explicit paintings and murals add to the sexual tension that appears to permeate the air every time Mr. Dean's sweaty countenance enters the room.

The local aristocracy are clearly hiding something too, is the Prince just a randy teen or is there foul play here? Mopu is full of secrets and whispers of a past tainted with tragedy and male dominance. Theses themes are presented clearly through the superb cinematography, editing and especially the lighting.

With audiences complaining in their thousands recently about the strange trend of murky sets and near pitch black sequences in popular drama (yes, Game Of Thrones, we're pointing at you), the overall colour palette and spacious exteriors make a refreshing change while not detracting from the supernatural vibe of the plot itself.