It is often said that the 1980s was a disappointing time for horror but then most reviewers overlook such films as this one which is subtle and understated, yet chilling and unsettling. This is a quiet, still film of the type not made much any more, much of the film taking place in the minds of the three main characters as they contemplate the impending events. It seems that there is some supernatural link between a child disappearnce threee years ago (seen very scarily in the film) and the precocious and emotionally demanding daughter of Edward Woodward. She is playing in a concert which he must miss, a defining point in their relationship. That night he and his wife separately have nightmares in which they have premonitions of various aspects of his death.
There is much use of symbolism, running dogs in the local streets reappear at a number of points, his watch stopping and constantly showing one time. It's a strange almost surreal unfolding that moves towards the stunningly realised and haunting climax. While you know what is coming, it does not prepare the viewer for it. All the characters throughout the film seem brooding and bothered, as though they know what might happen. We see the daughter back at the scene of the earlier girl's disappearance with momentos of her father, this is never explained and the viewer must decide upon her involvement. There are no easy answers, no humour, just an intense, simple story that will leave the viewer reflecting upon the film for many years to come. 9/10.
Special Thanks to Mark Coyle for this Movie Review.