Divorce impacts on everyone involved, not least the children. When two parents separate it can leave their offspring feeling deserted, alone and confused. In time, they adapt and heal, but any tensions between the adults often radiate down. However, children are resilient and soon become accustomed to new patterns. Maybe in the vein hope of a reconciliation. When a new partner arrives, it can throw a cat amongst the pigeons. This is what a new bride faces in Homebound.
Holly (Aisling Loftus) is nervous. She recently married Richard (Tom Goodman-Hill) but his children, who she’s never even met, have yet to be told. When they’re invited to stay for the weekend, she’s naturally anxious, and a little excited. With his ex-wife nowhere to be seen, she has a warm welcome from the birthday girl, Anna (Raffiella Chapman). However, the older siblings (Hattie Gotobed and Lukas Rolfe) are less enthusiastic about their stay and remain taciturn and wary.
Homebound starts a little shakily but soon hits its stride. Gradually growing into the story and culminating in an unusual and disturbing finale. Sebastian Godwin’s debut feature works so well due to the mystery which encircles seemingly ordinary events. This wrongness only grows as it becomes increasingly clear that something is distinctly not right. Homebound is an unsettling psychological drama which promises much for the future.
Homebound screened at Fantastic Fest.
