James is working in his flat, but oppressed by the heat of the city. Subjected to an impact noise he cannot pin down but cannot shake, he heads out on his bike and finds himself at the house of a stonemason, practicing his craft by carving out a random grave stone on a defective piece. It may have been the noise that drew James' attention, but what keeps it there is that the random headstone has his name and date of birth inscribed on it – just above the inscription of today's date.

Based on a short story that is over 100 years old, this film has a nicely creepy sense about it for the most part. Although it does not totally capture the heat and oppression as I would have liked, both of these things come across reasonably well to create an atmosphere which the sound design adds to with some good impact noises. The camera moves well; mostly static shots but use of overhead shots when appropriate adds a feeling of quality to it. The second half of the film holds out the build on this, and it does it pretty well, with a sense of things folding in on themselves. Being honest, I would have liked to have seen it be tighter, and have stronger and more gripping dialogue (words with things between the words) but it does still work, and the conclusion is nicely creepy and understated.

Technically well made, and with good delivery from Sullivan and Conroy, it is worth a look as it engages pretty well, has a creepy edge to it, and is solidly told throughout.

The drama genre is a broad category that features stories portraying human experiences, emotions, conflicts, and relationships in a realistic and emotionally impactful way. Dramas delve into the complexities of human life, often exploring themes of love, loss, morality, societal issues, personal growth, with the aim to evoke an emotional response from the audience by presenting relatable and thought-provoking stories.

Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)

The mystery genre features the investigation and solving of a puzzle, typically a crime or an enigmatic event. Mysteries are known for their suspenseful narratives, intricate plots, and the challenge they present to readers or viewers to piece together clues and solve the central mystery alongside the characters.

Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. in Chinatown (1974)

The short form refers to creative works characterized by their brevity and concise storytelling. Unlike full-length feature films, short films have a running time of less than 45 minutes, while TV shorts have a running time of less than 22 minutes.

Benedict Cumberbatch in The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (2023)

The thriller genre features suspense, tension, and excitement. These stories are known for keeping audiences on the edge of their seats and delivering intense emotional experiences by revolving around high-stakes situations, dangerous conflicts, and the constant anticipation of unexpected events.

In a sweltering Manhattan heatwave, James is drawn from his un-air-conditioned apartment by a mysterious noise. His search leads him to a mason carving a tombstone with his name on it.

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