Director: Prano Bailey-Bond
Cast: Niamh Algar, Michael Smiley
Review Author: Tony
Synopsis: Enid is a dutiful if not somewhat uptight employee for the British Board of Film Classification during the infamous Video Nasties era of 80s Britain. Although largely unfazed by the gruesome content of the films she is required to assess, one particular film has a familiar face which rattles Enid and brings past traumas to the surface.
The phycological horror “Censor,” was a film that swiftly secured its spot among my favorites of 2021. “Censor” somewhat flew under the radar during compared to other 2021 horror films, a shame considering it bore a lot of similarities to the excellent Saint Maud in terms of both sharing a directorial debut for two female directors from the UK. Prano Bailey-Bond, in her directorial debut, not only showcases her prowess in the horror genre but introduces us to a captivating new voice that adds a fresh layer to the world of psychological horror.
Bailey-Bond ingeniously uses the Video Nasties era in 1980s Britain as the backdrop for her narrative. This choice not only adds a historical layer to the film but also sets the stage for a distinct visual and audio experience. The film’s retro style, characterized by grainy camerawork and a synthesizer soundtrack, effectively transports the audience back to a bygone era of 80s horror cinema. The homage to the Video Nasties era is palpable, evoking a sense of nostalgia for enthusiasts of that time while introducing younger horror fans to a slice of horror history.
What struck me most about “Censor” was its portrayal of the sleaze inherent in both the Video Nasty films of the time which is then mirrored by the predatory behavior exhibited by male characters. The film doesn’t shy away from portraying the unapologetic exploitation and sensationalism present in those films. The imagery of a smoke-filled workplace serves as a potent visual metaphor, enveloping the characters in an atmosphere that mirrors the murky ethical boundaries they navigate.
At the heart of the film is Niamh Algar’s outstanding performance as the uptight Enid, the titular censor. As a character driven by past trauma, Algar navigates Enid’s unraveling with nuance and intensity. Enid’s journey becomes a psychological exploration, and Algar skillfully peels back layers of her character as the movie progresses. The transformation is not just external; it’s a deep dive into the psyche of a woman haunted by her own history. Algar’s portrayal adds a humanizing element to the horror, making Enid a relatable yet enigmatic protagonist.
“Censor” emerges as a unique thread in horror cinema, one that explores the intersection of horror, censorship, and the fragility of the human mind. Prano Bailey-Bond announced her arrival with a bang, and I, for one, am eagerly anticipating whatever her next project is..
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