Severance tells the gory tale of the European (mainly British) sales department of an international arms manufacturer who are sent on a team-building weekend in the wilds of Hungary. An argument with their bus driver leaves the group to find their own way to the lodge. After much banter and conjecture about the history of the area, the scene is set for bloody mayhem to ensue.

Far from attempting to carve a new niche in the genre, or even covering up any obvious references, Severance opts for the tried and tested raw materials of the horror film. A creepy soundtrack, suspenseful build-ups, and false climaxes abound, offset by the usual dry and quirky British wit. But it is not so much the film's method which makes it stand out, but the deliberateness of its execution. All of the elements are there for a run-of-the-mill slasher movie, but as it progresses the underlying knowingness of those making the film becomes more and more apparent, and eventually descends into satire. While this is entertaining at times, it often feels a little conceited. Highly recognisable devices from American horror are used as decoys, and then scoffed at with an air of British superiority. One of the actors deliberately looks at the camera at one stage – a little smug for my liking.

The acting in Severance is decent. All of the usual characters are present and the cast play pretty much to type. Such observant filmmakers seem to have overlooked that most employees of multi-national corporations these days are a homogeneous breed, but that wouldn't have made for very colourful characterisation. The dialogue is efficient and moves the story along at a good pace.

As a horror movie Severance succeeds in delivering plenty of gore and jump-out-of-your-seat moments. However, one cannot shake the feeling that the filmmakers are attempting to make the viewer feel slightly guilty for falling for the same old ploys. If they venture to make another horror movie, a highly original film will be expected. Should they fail, Severance may seem somewhat hypocritical in hindsight. Or maybe I'm the one being smug.

Eamonn Gray

Rated 18 (see IFCO website for details)
Severance is released on 25th August 2006
Severance – Official website