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Directed by Rodrigo Gudino, The Last Will and Testament of Rosalind Leigh has some great scenes with a scary apologue.
The film opens with an old woman, Rosalind Leigh, narrating about her son and you immediately get the idea that the son left in some way. The premise is then focused on a man, Leon Leigh (Aaron Poole- The Conspiracy) who inherits the house of his recently deceased mother. The home is crammed with strange ornaments, religious musings and ominous statues of angels all around. Over the course of the day and night Leon is confronted with his past and the belief that his mother’s spirit is attempting to communicate with him.
The Last Will and Testament of Rosalind Leigh is an ambiguous slow burner that relies on atmosphere and teasing intrigue rather than violence or normal haunted house jump scares. It explores, in equal measures, the loneliness, pain, and fear that exists during life, and after it.
There are some cult elements that begin to unravel into the story, but unfortunately you never get to learn the extent of the cult and it is never really explained or explored within the story in too many details. As you begin to get into the details given and things start to get really interesting, Leon decides he is going to leave, and does, which is frustrating as it would’ve be nice to find out more.
The visual aspects of the movie are very pleasing to the eye and the antique items that clutter the house are well shot which has you browsing each and every corner looking for details.
The acting was well done and the story line had great potential but the lack of information spoiled it for me.
Another small negative I have is the creature, without spoiling too much, the close up slightly destroyed the scares the film had previously given me.
With the The Last Will and Testament of Rosalind Leigh, Rodrigo has crafted an intriguing, chilling little puzzle box, but some of the finer points have been missed out.
Watch on a bored weekend for a few creepy scares.
WICKED RATING: 5/10 [usr 5]
Title: The Last Will and Testament of Rosalind Leigh
Director(s): Rodrigo Gudino
Writer(s): Rodrigo Gudino
Stars: Aaron Poole, Vanessa Redgrave, Julian Richings
Year: 2012
Studio/ Production Co: Rue Morgue Cinema, Someone At The Door Productions
Budget: $1,800,000 (estimated)
Language: English
Length: 82mins
Sub-Genre: Mystery, Thriller
