I saw this director's first film (The Late Twentieth) in a cinema in London about four years ago. I wasn't very impressed, though I did think the film had something about it. I have been checking back every now and then on IMDb regarding him since, and finally got around to seeing Puritan yesterday (stumbled across it in Blockbusters in Stepney, where the film is set....) Puritan has hallmarks of film noir. Most obviously, this is in its dark lighting, probably intended to cover up the low production values, which was one of the main reasons film noir was invented back in the 1930's in the first place. But Puritan synthesises film noir with supernatural horror, making it seem a little like a Cronenberg film, and referencing East London's spectral history, such as Hawskmoor, a nod to the great Alan Moore. It is about a washed up writer on the paranormal, Simon Puritan, whose life fell apart after his wife died, hitting the bottle big time, and now survives by being a medium giving spiritual readings.But one day a mysterious, bandaged man in a hat turns up and pushes Puritan off in a radical new direction, involving a beautiful woman, and her rich, shady husband. If this sounds conventional thriller territory, then it is, but Puritan is genuinely involving and unexpectedly twisty in novel ways. More importantly, the film, unlike so many other modern, low budget films, both horror and film noir, has a real, tender heart in its love story, which drives the film. This is aided by an unexpectedly good performance by Nick Moran, who displays a vulnerability and neediness that is at times crushing. He is helped by excellent, unnerving performances from David Soul, Georgina Rylance and Ralph Brown. Perhaps best of all was the assured direction and editing, which give a real professional feeling to the film, making it punch far above its weight. The script integrates film noir and horror surprisingly well.

As with many of the reviewers I caught this at the Frightfest festivalThis London Gothic chiller is loaded with a huge degree of suspense and intrigue. The tension is felt throughout the film, amplified by the exquisite cinematography and lush classical score.David Soul, the man who was Hutch, dominated the screen with his magnetic presence, anytime he is on, you simply have to watch him. Nick Moran holds his own, delivering a truly intelligent acting piece to his portfolio. And the always steadfast Ralph brown acts the part with ease.I have to say the ending completely blind sided me, the film is littered with a great deal of clues that deserves a second viewing. i shall be buying my ticket to check what i missed the first time.

Very Cool Flick! Saw this little beauty with my pals at the Frightfest festival in London. And I have to say to all my fellow film freaks and freakettes, this is a class act all the way.The film just for starters looks just goddamned gorgeous, you could take any frame of it and hang it in a gallery, i just loved the use of colours, red, red and oh yeah...red. Just beautifully atmospheric and stunning.Moran holds the film together on his broad acting shoulders, I have wondered what happened to this dude over the years since the whole lock stock scenario, but he has come back with a really strong movie. Ms Georgina Rylance is a major hottie and a great actress to boot, but its the HUTCH man himself who steals the show, with a rip roaring performance as the evil Eric Bridges. This dude is totally underused, someone please cast him in something else.The director is assured and his framing is solid, composed and powerful, he would fit right in to making commercials, cut from the same cloth as Ridley Scott, Alan Parker et al: but his film has a lot more depth than those 2 guys, am I exaggerating? No. I think this young gent is one to watch.Go and watch it, but make sure you are concentrating as it needs your full attention, a real high class film noir!

Great film, great direction. I managed to catch a screening of "Puritan" last year & really enjoyed it. It has a great atmosphere, looks slick and an impressive supporting cast. The narrative keeps you gripped until the end, with a few chills and twists along the way. David Soul plays an excellent and unexpected turn as a sly, possibly crooked public benefactor / philanthropist guru. Georgina Rylance is excellent as the love interest & extremely watch able. I found the film very reminiscent of the likes of 'Donnie Darko' with a dash of 'Angel Heart'. 'Puritan' has very much a film noir feel about it. Production design, camera and music should get a special mention. There are some moody sets and non-flashy, economical camera work, all backed up with a catchy and atmospheric score. I think this director could well be worth keeping an eye on in the near future.