‘Body At Brighton Rock’ (2019) Movie Review

Ever since the trailer dropped for Body at Brighton Rock I’ve been interesting in checking it out. The premise was interesting and the stills looked terrifying. Let’s just say you’ll never catch me in the wilderness alone by choice.

This film was written and directed by Roxanne Benjamin as well as produced by herself, Christopher Alender, and David A. Smith. The cast includes Karina Fontes, Casey Adams, Emily Althaus, Miranda Bailey, Martin Spanjers, and John Getz.

Synopsis for Body at Brighton Rock

Wendy, a part-time summer employee at a mountainous state park, takes on a rough trail assignment at the end of the season, trying to prove to her friends that she’s capable enough to do the job. When she takes a wrong turn and ends up deep in the backcountry, she stumbles upon what might be a potential crime scene.

Stuck with no communication after losing her radio and with orders to guard the site, Wendy must fight the urge to run and do the harder job of staying put — spending the night deep in the wilderness, facing down her worst fears and proving to everyone – including herself – that she’s made of stronger stuff than they think she is.

Body at Brighton Rock shook me to my core and totally blew me away. It takes the viewer on one hell of a journey full of excitement, panic, and full blow anxiety. I never knew how strong my fear of being lost in the wilderness was until this film. The beautiful and intense cinematography makes you feel like your right there with the main character, losing your mind at all the possibilities that could go wrong. The wide open shots across the park, make you realize how small you’re in the this vast world.

Karina Fontes character Wendy irked me at times – several mistakes including taking on a shift that she wasn’t scheduled for made me throw my hands up in the air – but really would I have done any better? Probably not. Katrina delivers one hell of a performance – riveting and powerful.  She’s officially one of my new favorite actresses and I can’t wait to see what she does next.

Body at Brighton Rock does a fantastic job at keeping on your feet and has you wondering what will happen next. Although there is some grotesque moments with killer FX, it’s the feeling of the unknown that is most terrifying and sends your pulse racing. The film accurately and beautifully portrays what your mind goes through when put in a horrifying situation like this all alone with nothing but the dark and noises of the night to keep you company.

Above all the one of my favorite things about the film was the music. The soundtrack was fucking awesome. It really sucks you into the film and blindsides you with the dread that’s about come. It made me want to dance but ya know in a safe place – not with headphones in the wilderness. It’s important to be alert, ya know?

Final Thoughts

Roxanne Benjamin’s Body at Brighton Rock is officially one of my favorite films of the year. It’s flawless with an anxiety-driven story that will leave you on the edge of your seat. It is now available in select theaters and On Demand from Magnolia Pictures.