Horror comedy can be a tricky thing to get right and too often I find films of this sub genre end up being over the top, almost becoming a parody of themselves. Don’t get me wrong, I can definitely get on board with a silly film that knows it’s silly, but I think it can sometimes be difficult balancing the elements in a way that doesn’t detract.
There are many examples of horror comedy done well (Cabin in the Woods & What We do In The Shadows being two fairly recent examples that I loved), but there’s just something about dry, British humour that seems to blend the genres perfectly. The success of 2004’s ‘Shaun of the Dead’ suggests I’m not the only one who thinks so.
Released in the UK in 2017 – Prevenge is a British horror comedy starring and directed by Alice Lowe.
It follows pregnant widow Ruth as she attempts to avenge the death of her husband by carrying out the murderous impulses of her evil embryo.
I first stumbled on Prevenge a few years ago and went in blind, finding myself liking it a lot more than I had expected to. The dialogue is clever with some really funny moments, but under the humour is an emotional account of grief and blunt dissection of the fear of motherhood.
As the baby grows, Ruth finds herself feeling less and less in control as the inhabitant within continues its demands (in an alarmingly creepy voice, no less). Interspersed between the mirth and murder, the film often shines a light on the less glamorous side of pregnancy that is often brushed under the carpet. Ruth puts it perfectly herself when bluntly stating to her midwife, ‘I think nature’s a bit of a cunt though’.
Prevenge has a lot of familiar faces including Kate Dickie, Jo Hartley, Kayvan Novak and Gemma Whelan who each deliver brief but memorable performances. Jo Hartley in particular is fantastic as the overtly sweet nurse who we’ve all met and frankly wanted to punch in the face.
The context of Ruth’s spree unfold as the film progresses, with one particular flashback actually seeming quite brutal – probably more so because it is presented jarringly without humour, giving the audience a sense of the pain the protagonist is experiencing.
Prevenge isn’t flashy but it shows that with a strong script and the right people, simple things can sometimes deliver something really impressive. This feat is amplified further given the fact that one woman powerhouse Alice Lowe not only directed and starred in the film, but also did so whilst heavily pregnant – with her newborn actually having her very own cameo near the conclusion.
The film also has one of the most badass ensembles – with Ruth attending a Halloween party in a bold red dress – complete with creepy face paint.
Prevenge is definitely a lot of fun. It’s currently available on Shudder and I’d highly recommend checking it out if you haven’t already!
