Final Feature Article Draft

Deluca is a British short film that has met with mixed reactions from viewers and critics due to director Alex Prynne’s controversial decision to burn a Bible within the first two minutes of the film. Seen in context it is easy to see how this decision fits the narrative but like with anything that touches too closely on religion it was always going to get some Christians hot under the collar. And it is not just the burning of the Bible following an interesting animation sequence that brings to life the first murder depicted within its pages that has offended some religious viewers, the themes and narrative of this psychological thriller have also stirred up mixed reactions as murder, sex outside of marriage and homosexuality are dominating themes.

Controversy aside, the film has a lot going for it. The cinematography, sound and editing by; Alex Prynne, Ryan Clark and Dan Goward creates a dark tense mood through out the piece making this both gripping and artistic. While Jess Dootson’s animation artwork adds an additional dimension to the visuals of this film.

In terms of narrative, writer/director Alex Prynne has certainly proved he is a future talent to watch out for as this piece, set within the dark back streets of a poverty stricken small Cornish town, tells the intense story of Delcua played by Travis Brown, who is torn between two lovers, his girlfriend Sarah, played by Rose Harris and his controlling male lover Hugo, played by Ryan Hearn and leaves viewers on the edge of their seats and intellectually challenged.

The narrative starts with the dramatic murder of Sarah by Delcua only for a number of strange and unexpected twists to then occur before the film concludes. In short, this is an intelligent, clever story focusing on inter guilt and betrayal brought to life by three talented young stars making their big screen debuts.

Speaking exclusively to FilmFreak, Director Alex Prynne said of the controversy; “I did not set out to offend people (laughs)…I am quite surprised people were so offended by it. There are no laws against doing it and it certainly fits in with the narrative because I wanted people to link the themes of the film with the themes of some biblical stories to give it an extra hard hitting dimension. This creative choice was also perhaps heavily influenced by my interest in Mexican short films/animations because a lot of these feature animations with a religious message.”

In a nutshell, this film is hot property and definitely worth a watch when it is screen at Bodmin Town cinema later this month. If you miss this screening, you can always find it online at on are YouTube channel or catch it at the Cornish Film Festival next October.